Katie Tierney, MBA

Katie Tierney is a relationship-centered school leader and consultant who brings warmth, clarity, and candor to the financial and operational work of independent schools. For more than a decade at The Gow School, she served as Associate Head for Strategy & Operations and Chief Financial Officer, partnering with leadership to strengthen financial sustainability and improve operational systems. Oversight of finance, facilities, human resources, dining services, student health and crisis management provides her with a deep understanding of how schools operate—and how people function within them.

Katie is known for her calm presence and ability to tell the truth with both compassion and firmness. She believes that most conflicts stem from misunderstandings rather than true disagreements. She helps teams slow down, listen attentively, and engage in the difficult conversations that build trust. Her coaching style is kind and direct, using humor as levity. She has supported individuals and leadership teams through one-on-one coaching and facilitated conversations.

Before her work in independent schools, Katie held roles in higher education focused on accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness—experience that strengthened her commitment to evidence-based decision-making. As a longtime contributor to NYSAIS accreditation efforts as a team member, officer, and commissioner, she brings both practical experience and sector-wide perspective to her consulting.

Early in her career, Katie co-founded and grew a successful family handyman business, an experience that honed her entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and operational skills and deepened her understanding of the importance of strong business processes in non-profit organizations.

Katie is courageously navigating parenting four adult children. This journey keeps her humble while deepening her understanding of communication, resilience, and supporting others through growth and change—all while she evolves herself. She embraces the philosophy that there is, and will always be, something new to learn.