Tim Wilson

Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University

Age:  40

“Methodical and creative finance executive who drives strategic growth and ensures streamlined operations.”

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Family Members: My pup, Sofie

Fun fact about yourself: After my undergraduate, I moonlighted as a historian. I partnered with my history thesis advisor to present my undergraduate history thesis, “The Impact of the American Civil War on the Virginia Business Firm Thomas Branch & Sons 1860-1865,” at conferences and submitted it to journals for publication.

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Richmond, economics, history

Where are you currently working? Self-employed fractional CFO

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:

• Philadelphia Health Tribe
• Philadelphia Soccer 2026 (Host committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Philadelphia)
• CFA Society Philadelphia
• Gorges Ventures
• Volunteer for MANNA (a nonprofit that provides medically tailored meals and nutrition to critically ill people)
• Former board chair of Power Up Gambia

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? My proudest extracurricular achievement is starting my own business. I’ve spent a lot of time with classmates ideating and testing new business ideas. These conversations ramped up after we completed our semester-long new-venture creation course. We’ve collectively learned from some ideas that haven’t worked out as well, and my classmates are continuing to progress others. Ultimately, these conversations and my classmates’ support provided rigor to the business assessment and gave me the confidence to launch.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Leading high-performing teams is a source of immense pride for me. During my tenure as CFO at Quil Health, my first role, we faced numerous challenges while building the business from the ground up. I’m particularly proud of the talented team we assembled within the CFO organization. It was incredibly rewarding to participate in their professional growth and transition into demanding and fulfilling positions.

Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? Simple: It was the people. I initially targeted a handful of top Northeast and Mid-Atlantic schools. They all had very compelling value propositions and checked the box on the qualitative checklist (i.e., target coursework, professor quality, logistics, etc.). However, in the end, it came down to the alumni and current students I spoke with at each target institution. The Cornell individuals all spoke with warmth and generosity of time and connections. They also were constructive even in criticism. I’m happy to say that the initial warmth and generosity of the Cornell network has proven to be true!

What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The Cornell MBA program further instilled in me a lifelong love of learning. It wasn’t just the invaluable lessons gleaned from professors, peers and the supportive staff; it was the constant reinforcement that knowledge is a journey, not a destination. I learned the importance of not only seeking out new knowledge, but also revisiting familiar areas to stay ahead of the curve. This philosophy has permeated my leadership style. I challenge my teams to dedicate time to both deepening their expertise and venturing into unfamiliar territory. Witnessing the positive impact — on myself, my colleagues and my team — has solidified this belief: Continuous learning fosters not only confidence, but also sharper critical thinking skills.

Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? The saying “We grow to the size of our fishbowl” resonates with me. Structure, routine and time discipline create the space we need to flourish. However, even the best-laid plans can go awry. There was one particularly challenging time where the perfect storm of high work priorities, rigorous school assignments, and attention to my relationships peaked all at the same time. At this critical juncture, it was the relationships I had invested in that allowed me to succeed. I was able to lean on my classmates, work peers and friends to create the space I needed to be successful across all three areas. Fortunately, I’d nurtured these relationships beforehand, building a reserve of trust and reciprocity. Once the pressure subsided, I made sure to repay the favors, solidifying these vital connections.

What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? Spend a lot of time thinking about your goals, desired outcomes, and where you can be flexible with time. There are so many resources and opportunities in addition to the standard curriculum that can really help accelerate your achievement. Having a strong idea of your goals and desired outcomes will help you identify the resources relevant to you and save you time. Also, the faculty and your classmates will be even more willing to spend time with you if they know you have a focused idea of what you want to accomplish. I also recommend consistently evaluating how you are spending your time. Are your current classes the ones worth mastering (vs. being competent in), or is this a time to recharge in other areas of your life?

What was your biggest regret in business school? One professor’s teaching style didn’t click with me, and coming off a busy semester, I admit I took a passive approach to the course. I regret not being more proactive in seeking alternative resources, particularly the excellent TA. This experience underscored the importance of a strategic approach to each course, especially where and how you spend your time learning the material. I’m glad I learned this lesson early, as it subsequently optimized my time and learning for the remainder of the program.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I consider myself incredibly lucky to have spent two years with an incredibly intelligent, diverse, successful, and fun cohort. Not only have I learned something from every individual in the class, but I also don’t think I have ever laughed as hard as I have when socializing with my classmates. A standout from the program that who I want to acknowledge is Alexandra Feliz, VP of institutional banking and business at Banco Santa Cruz. We connected in our first-year study team, and I was fortunate to learn from and be inspired by her. Alexandra’s dedication always impressed me — she consistently traveled to the program from her home in the Dominican Republic. This wasn’t just about logistics; it reflected her deep commitment to her own growth. Beyond her intelligence and impressive banking career, Alexandra’s generosity truly shines. She has a direct leadership style that fosters a culture where everyone feels heard and valued. This combination of strength and generosity makes her a role model for aspiring leaders.

What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? There really were two main reasons. The first was that I prioritized an in-person program. I was and still am on Zoom nearly the entire business day and didn’t think I would be successful spending even more time online. Second, the executive program made it easier for me to focus and prioritize my professional and personal calendar versus part-time programs.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? I am fueled by a passion for tackling complex challenges that resonate with my values and interests. My career path has always focused on impactful problem-solving. I thrive in environments that foster continuous learning, where I can progressively expand my leadership influence, drive business growth, and cultivate high-performing teams. Ultimately, I envision myself working as a strategic CFO who builds not only businesses, but also the talent that fuels their success.

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