Ricky Howell serves as Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the Foundation’s business office with a focus on investments, finance, contracts, and human resources. As a key member of the executive leadership team, he contributes to the efficient deployment of strategy, risk management, and efficiency of the Foundation’s support functions.  In addition, he serves as an ex officio member of the Finance and Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees and actively plans and engages in the committee’s activities. He also manages finance and administrative staff and oversees relationships with key providers.

Prior to joining the Foundation team, Ricky served as vice president of administration for the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, managing the organization’s finance, human resources, and information technology functions.

Ricky’s earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he focused on accounting, and took additional accounting coursework at Southern New Hampshire University. He is a certified public accountant and a licensed SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).