CFO on the Go

CFO on the GO: CFO on the GO:

David Wilhite Retires David Wilhite Retires

After 18 years of crunching numbers at Georgetown College, David Wilhite, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), retired at the end of May. His position was filled by Rush Sherman, (who is featured among many “fresh” faces in this issue).

David, a Kentucky native, received a degree in accounting from the University of Kentucky. He worked in various industries for 20 years before joining the staff at the College in 2004 as Controller. Previously he was the CFO of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and felt ready for a new challenge when he learned of the opening at the school he says had a “great reputation.”

David, who succeeded CFO Jim Moak, Jr., is grateful he was given the opportunity.

“It has turned into something much more than I ever expected. There is something about the energy on a college campus that makes it such a great place to work and especially in the case of Georgetown College. I’ve been blessed to be a small part of helping the College fulfill its mission with young people.”

During his tenure here David became so supportive of the college that his two sons became Tigers. Nathan Wilhite, ’14, is a Lexington, Ky., accountant, and Oliver Wilhite, ’16, is a Covington, Ky., attorney. “I always tell anyone that will listen that they received a wonderful education here, which is setting them up for success for the rest of their lives.”

While they were students on campus, David would memorize their class schedules and sometimes look out of his office window (then in Highbaugh Hall) at the right times to see them walking across campus and “check in” on them without their knowledge.

David has seen the College come through some lean times financially, not unusual for any institution with a 193year history. “I’ve had the opportunity to work through a lot of these situations over the past 18 years, and at times it has felt like a roller coaster, but overcoming adversity has always been one of the College’s strengths.”

He has been a member of the Executive Cabinet for the past six years and while he looks forward to enjoying retirement with wife Elaine, and their family, which includes daughter Claire, he will miss daily interactions with other College employees. “This is a special place, and I know that there are a lot of folks that will continue to work hard to ensure its ongoing success.”