John Riley

As VP of Finance and Human Resources, my role is to oversee the financial management, human capital, and operational functions of the Christensen Institute. I am responsible for providing our research teams with the administrative support to focus on their world-class research and publications. I guide the management team in developing the business strategies and budgets to execute research grants and to support the overall operation of the Institute. The Christensen family has created a supportive, nurturing environment at the Institute, and I am committed to promoting and enabling that vision.

I have always been passionate about the importance of education in our society. That passion has led me to help found an urban independent middle school in Boston; to develop an educational program with my wife, Maureen, to introduce students to Latin and Greek roots; and to serve in various coaching and advising roles in youth sports and theater. Indeed, in response to my grad school application question, “What is the world’s greatest problem and what is its solution?” I argued that that problem was our terminal view of education and that current educational institutions were complicit in promoting that view. At the time, I proposed that educational institutions should abandon their industrial-revolution-model of education and encourage more life-long learning programs. When I first learned of the Christensen Institute, I realized that in it I had found kindred spirits. I was so impressed by the Institute’s work in identifying and promoting innovation in education (as well as in health care and global development). I was inspired by the passion and intelligence of its research team. I knew that I wanted to be part of this world-changing mission.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I have had a strong commitment to community service. I have served as a volunteer and/or board member of Nativity Preparatory School, the Massachusetts Catholic Self Insurance Group, the Friends of Natick Drama Workshop, the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Boston, the Boston College Alumni Association, and the Boston Liturgical Dance Ensemble, among others.

I live in Natick, MA with my wife, Maureen, and our three daughters.

Experience

• Vice President, Finance and Human Resources, the Christensen Institute
• Co-founder, The Rooted Mind, LLC
• SVP & CFO, Walsh Brothers, Inc.
• EVP & CFO, NPR Holdings, LLC
• SVP & CFO, Greater Boston Bank
• Director of Corporate Analysis, FMR Corp., Fidelity Investments
• Senior Consultant, KPMG
• Boston College, AB in Mathematics
• The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, MBA in Finance