Carl M. Ries Named Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of Hampshire College

Hampshire College is pleased to announce Carl M. Ries as the vice president for finance and administration and treasurer. Ries has over 16 years of experience in finance and business operations. Previous to joining Hampshire, Ries served as the chief financial officer of the Los Angeles Opera Company, one of the largest opera companies in the U.S., which operates with an annual budget of $47 million.

Hampshire College President Ed Wingenbach said of Ries’ appointment, “I am tremendously excited to welcome Carl to Hampshire College. In addition to his deep expertise in finance and operations, Carl demonstrates lifelong commitment to the arts and to higher education. He was part of a leadership team that raised the LA Opera to new heights by fostering innovation, experimentation, inclusion, and artistic excellence, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility. His leadership will be invaluable as we pursue our mission to transform higher education.”

While CFO of the Los Angeles Opera Company and in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, Ries also managed the application and deployment of a $4.1 million paycheck protection program loan, and subsequent forgiveness plan, which assisted the community’s artists, musicians, and tradespeople affected by the pandemic. Previous to his role as chief financial officer, Ries served as senior director of finance and controller for the opera company.

Ries has extensive background and experience working with nonprofits, mission-driven organizations, and educational institutions, including serving as senior accountant for the Alliance for College Ready Public Schools and consulting controller for the nonprofit Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles.

“I understand Hampshire College’s desire to find a leader that lives and breathes the values of the institution through collaboration, engagement, integrity, and problem solving. It will  be an honor to bring my technical knowledge, coupled with my experience in governance, leadership, and communication to Hampshire College,” Ries said.

Ries has a B.A. in international relations from the University of Southern California and a master of science in accounting from Texas A&M University.