July 14, 2025

Alumna Lisa Simon, CPA, Named Chief Financial Officer at Wheeling University

WHEELING, W.Va. – July 14 – Fueled by a passion to help her alma mater grow, Lisa (Norman) Simon, CPA, returns to Wheeling University to serve as the Chief Financial Officer.

Wheeling University President, Dr. Dianna Vargo is excited that Simon will now lead the Business and Finance Office.  

“Lisa brings a wealth of experience in business operations, finance and accounting that will be valuable to the operations of Wheeling University,” said Dr. Vargo. “She is a proven leader who will be great asset to our University.”

A graduate of the class of 1991, Simon started in the position July 1. She brings a vast array of experience in executive leadership, operations, finance and accounting. She has held leadership roles at health care organizations across the country including ORB Health, Inc., WVU Medicine, Ohio Valley Health Services and Education Corporation, Charleston Area Medical Center and Monongalia Health System. Additionally, Simon was the owner of her own business which focused on operational and financial improvement opportunities for healthcare systems. 

Simon, who also has a background and work experience in public accounting and business operations, said, “Wheeling University is an integral part of the community. I loved my time at what was Wheeling Jesuit College, and I love the Wheeling area, my husband and I moved back 15 years ago to finish raising our family and to build roots in the community.”

Simon believes Dr. Vargo has assembled a senior leadership team that is “talented, nimble and locally grown.” She would like to utilize her experience and expertise to make the University stronger and more prosperous. 

“I am excited to be a part of this team and together I am confident we will be able to reinvigorate our alumni and energize the greater community and local businesses to assist in the growth of Wheeling University.” Simon is also impressed with the dedicated faculty and staff whose top priority is educating the students and helping them prosper. Simon is team focused, as she was as a four-year member of the women’s basketball team. 

While a student in the Business program, Simon credits the many faculty, who instilled in her the importance to be a hardworking member of the team.

“My professors, Dr. Ed Younkins, Kathy Sullivan, John Mansuy and so many others, taught me to be proficient in business, as well as to work with integrity grounded in Christian ethics. They were fabulous instructors who were instrumental in shaping my professional career,” Simon added. Additionally, she noted that Jesuits Frs. Jim O’Brien and Walter Buckius, along with former Counseling Director Carolyn Dalzell left a lasting impression on her as well. 

“One of my first priorities is to get a better understanding of all the inner workings and all aspects of the University. This will allow for identification of opportunities for improvement and to partner with leaders in their operational realm. Transformation of outcomes is the expectation, and with a hardworking, well-intentioned team – pulling the rope together – anything is possible. I look forward to being a part of this in order to ensure that decades of future graduates call Wheeling University theirs as well,” Simon said.

Born and raised in Elm Grove, Simon graduated from Wheeling Park High School. She has been a part of numerous boards and organizations, and currently serves on the boards of the Laughlin Memorial Chapel and Warwood Estates. She is married to her husband, Jamie and they have three children: Lydia, Rachel and Nate.