University News

WIU Alum Named CFO at Boyd Watterson

January 7, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - - Don Haisch, a 1992 graduate of Western Illinois University with a degree in accounting, was recently named the new global Chief Financial Officer at Boyd Watterson Asset Management.

Boyd Watterson is an independent, employee-owned investment advisor specializing in fixed income and real estate based in Cleveland, OH. Haisch oversees the strategic and day-to-day financial operations of the company.

Haisch often thinks back fondly of his journey at WIU.

"Not only did (the faculty) provide an extremely solid education and knowledge base, they also pushed me to explore opportunities outside of my comfort zone," Haisch said. "Being a first-generation college student in my family and also from a small town in Illinois, it was challenging to realize or acknowledge how important some of the opportunities that came my way were."

During his junior year at WIU, he said taking an internship at a local accounting firm jumpstarted his career. He encourages each student to seek out opportunities in the workforce while getting their education, even if it means taking a little extra time to get through school.

"It was an invaluable experience and although I pushed my graduation out one semester, it was so minor when you take it in the context of the length of life and work," Haisch said.

After graduating, he was presented with multiple opportunities for full-time employment and the community at WIU encouraged him to take a job with the St. Louis office of KPMG, a global accounting firm - a little out of his comfort zone - and it turned out to be a great decision.

"This decision was really the key basis for my future career success and exposed me to a whole world that I was not accustomed to," Haisch said.

Aside from the education and hands-on experience, Haisch also remembers the fun of being on campus, enjoying the local community in Macomb and spending nights with friends in the dorms. Combining all that experience makes WIU a perfect fit for any student looking for a well-rounded college experience.

"Take advantage of all that a great public university offers and, most importantly, stretch yourself and embrace opportunities as they come your way — even when it is uncomfortable to do so," Haisch said.

For more information on the WIU Accountancy program, visit wiu.edu/accountancy.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing