When a school with more than 250 years of history prepares to transition a senior leader after three decades of service, the moment demands more than a hiring process. It calls for stewardship, discernment, and a partner who understands both the operational and cultural weight of the role.

This year, Newark Academy in Livingston, New Jersey, successfully completed a national search for its next Chief Financial Officer in partnership with NBOA Advisory Services, appointing Andy Schneider to begin on July 1, 2026.

A Leadership Transition Rooted in Strategy

The search followed the planned retirement of Newark Academy’s long-serving Director of Business and Finance, Sam Goldfischer,  who dedicated 34 years to the school’s financial stewardship. At a time marked by strategic renewal, institutional growth, and continued commitment to access and innovation, the Board and Head of School sought a CFO who could both honor the school’s legacy and position it for the future.

As outlined in the position profile, Newark Academy was seeking a strategic architect, collaborative leader, and mission-first thinker - someone capable of overseeing a $34 million operating budget, stewarding a $60 million endowment, guiding capital planning, and serving as a trusted partner to both the Head of School and Board of Trustees.

After an extensive and thoughtful process, Andy Schneider emerged as that leader.

A CFO with Deep Independent School Experience

Andy brings a rare blend of independent school leadership and global financial expertise. Most recently, he has served as Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations and CFO at The Masters School in New York. Prior to that, he was CFO at The Peck School in New Jersey and earlier worked as a consultant for PwC, supporting multinational finance teams around the world.

Notably, Andy began his career in independent schools as an English teacher, admissions officer, and varsity crew coach - an experience that continues to inform his mission-centered leadership approach.

“I could not be more excited to join the Newark Academy community at this exciting time in the school’s long and storied history,” Schneider shared. “I have always admired both the campus and the culture, and I look forward to becoming a part of this special community.”

A Partnership Built on Trust and Process

From the outset, Newark Academy engaged NBOA Advisory Services to lead a disciplined and strategic search - one that prioritized institutional alignment, community engagement, and long-term fit. Head of School Tom Ashburn reflected on the experience :

“From the outset, NBOA took the time to listen carefully and understand our institutional history, culture, and future needs before proposing a thoughtful and disciplined approach to the search. Throughout the process, NBOA was fully present and deeply engaged. Their steady guidance and attention to detail allowed us to stay focused on decision-making rather than logistics.”

Ashburn also noted the strength of the candidate pool and the flexibility of the team: “Most impressively, we asked for a compressed timeline, and they were able to accommodate us.”  The search process included robust stakeholder engagement, careful vetting, and clear communication at every stage, ensuring transparency and alignment.

The Outcome: Confidence in the Future

For Newark Academy, this appointment represents more than filling a vacancy. It marks the continuation of a culture of disciplined stewardship and forward-looking strategy. With a visionary Head of School, a committed Board of Trustees, and a new CFO ready to lead financial strategy and operational excellence, Newark Academy is well-positioned for its next chapter.

For NBOA Advisory Services, this search reflects the core of our work: partnering with independent schools to identify and secure leaders who align with mission, strengthen governance, and build sustainable futures.