Mark Finlan leads Huron’s education industry business and has more than 20 years of experience in consulting, including deep expertise in higher education and the public sector. He specializes in leading institutions through complex programs to align strategy, improve performance and reduce costs. Mark has partnered with dozens of institutions leading complex, organization-wide programs to align strategy, improve performance and optimize operations for some of the most well-known universities. Mark has received Top 25 Consultant and Excellence in Social and Community Investment recognition by Consulting Magazine for his leadership and pro bono work. Prior to joining Huron, Mark led the Higher Education and the Organization and Human Capital practices within Censeo Consulting Group. He also served as a Principal at Bain & Co where he helped found their higher education practice.
- Led a 15-month cost transformation effort for a leading private university, identifying opportunities to close a nearly $100 million budget deficit and developing a new budget model aligned to the institution’s mission.
- Overseen the organizational assessment of a large public health sciences institution and developed an innovative service delivery model that spanned multiple functions including human resources, finance, IT, marketing and research administration.
- Helped a top historically black college develop a four-year strategic plan to fulfill the institution’s goal of becoming a best-in-class, land-grant doctoral research university.
