Jeffrey Fisher spent his career as a higher education executive with decades of leadership in finance, administration, and campus development at CCAD. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting from The Ohio State University in 1979 and later completed the Harvard Institute for Educational Management program in 1999.
Fisher began his professional career in 1980 with a Fortune 500 company as a Financial Analyst before transitioning to the nonprofit sector in 1983. He joined CCAD as a Business Officer during a pivotal period of organizational change. He served as a key liaison after CCAD’s separation from the Columbus Museum of Art. At that time, the campus consisted of just five buildings and operated with largely manual systems and minimal staffing.
Over the course of his tenure, Fisher played a central role in transforming the institution’s physical & financial landscape as well as its technological transition. He managed 15 land and building acquisitions, five major construction projects—including the Schottenstein Dormitory, Crane Center, Canzani Center, Design Studios on Broad, (DSQ) Apartments, and seven major renovations. Known for his innovative financing strategies, he helped guide significant institutional growth while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Fisher served as Acting Co-President from 1996 to 1997, followed by Vice President for Finance and Administration from 1997 to 2007. He was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, a role he held until his retirement in June 2019. He found his passion and purpose working within the art & design higher education environment. Working closely with students, faculty, and staff was of the utmost importance to him. Their success was his success.
