Thomas Hollister Joins Harvard University As Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance

Thomas Hollister, an industry veteran with 35 years in banking and energy sectors such as banking and energy production, recently joined Harvard University as its Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance. Additionally, he serves on non-profit boards while chairing corporate real estate-related ones, such as Global Partners LP and Macomber Construction Company.

Prior to becoming vice chairman at Citizens Bank of Massachusetts and director at Charter One, Mr. Desch was vice chairman at Citizens Bank.

Early Life and Education

Born in western New York at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, his family would later become one of California’s premier ranching and business families.

He has an impressive background in banking, having served as President and Chairman of Citizens Bank of Massachusetts respectively. Additionally, he served on the boards for Macomber Construction Company and Global Partners LP.

Hollister has been widely recognized as a visionary who has made an indelible mark on Harvard and higher education, according to executive vice president Meredith Weenick. Hollister excelled as a collaborative and thoughtful leader during one of the toughest economic periods for our university, nation and higher education as a whole,” Weenick noted. Hollister enjoys camping, fishing and sailing among many other outdoor pursuits with Dasa beside him – as well as music appreciation and sports fanaticism!

Professional Career

Thomas Hollister is an accomplished business executive with extensive experience in banking and energy industries. Throughout his tenure he has held various senior management roles within financial sector organizations as well as serving on numerous boards.

He began his career at Bank of Boston and quickly progressed through its ranks, holding roles spanning commercial banking to consumer and small-business banking. Ultimately becoming executive vice president before accepting leadership roles with Charter One Bank and Citizens Financial Group.

His experience includes chairing the boards of Tufts Medical Center and Wheaton College as well as membership on the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee. At present he serves as chief operating officer and finance VP of energy-distribution company Global Partners LP.

Achievement and Honors

Tom Hollister has earned many distinctions throughout his career as a banker and marketer – from being featured as one of Albany Business Review’s “40 Under 40”, being recognized by AMA of NY Capital Region Chapter’s Marketer of Excellence Award and Hudson Valley Community College’s Otto V. Guenther Career Achievement Award to being honored with Hudson Valley Community College’s Otto V. Guenther Lifetime Achievement Award.

As a trustee of Siena College and board member of the Independent Bankers Association of New York. Furthermore, he founded and chaired the Marketing Committee of AMA Capital Region Chapter for over 12 years.

As an advocate of the arts, he has served on multiple boards such as Less Cancer and Green Umbrella. Together with his wife Dasa, he enjoys camping, fishing, sailing and photography; plus spectator sports and good music are big passions of theirs!

Personal Life

Hollister has earned himself a reputation for being approachable and public understanding of Harvard’s finances, especially during periods of expansion and uncertainty. He is widely credited with contributing to setting financial strategy at Harvard.

He has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including Tufts Medical Center and Wheaton College, while chairing Charter One Bank and Citizens Financial Group as well as Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Initiative for a New Economy. Additionally, he currently sits on Global Partners LP’s Waltham energy distribution company board of directors.

Gideon Hollister was an influential businessman and citizen in Glastonbury, Connecticut; today his descendants live prominent lives there.

Net Worth

Tom assists high-net-worth individuals achieve their estate and succession planning objectives. He possesses considerable expertise in resolving trusts and probate matters as well as devising plans to minimize tax costs and protect assets.

As Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Harvard, Thomas Hollister plays an instrumental role in maintaining both long-term financial health as well as immediate funding needs of the University. For instance, recently his multiyear review of Harvard Management Company’s investment risk tolerance resulted in an increase in equity investments–an essential move considering endowment distributions provide most current revenues to Harvard.

Dave Hollister is a cousin of singers KC and JoJo, as well as former member of platinum-selling R&B group BLACKstreet with an estimated net worth of $3 Million.