From Queens College to CEO: A Conversation with Steve Gerard, Leader of the 8th Largest Accounting Firm in the U.S.

Steven L. Gerard '67 has been Chief Executive Officer of CBIZ, Inc. (CBZ-NYSE) since October 2000 and has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since October 2002. CBIZ provides professional businesses services, products and solutions to over 50,000 companies, governmental agencies and not-for-profit business clients throughout the United States. CBIZ is one of the nation’s largest accounting services firms, group health and property and casualty insurance brokers, valuation companies and consultants to State Medicaid offices as well as a provider of payroll, retirement plan and recruiting services. CBIZ was recognized in 2015 as one of Forbes Magazine’s Top 500 “America’s Best Employers” (ranked #123) and ranked #1 in the field of Consulting and Accounting. CBIZ, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio employs 4,500 professionals and has offices in over 40 states.

Mr. Gerard graduated with a degree in economics from Queens College, City University of New York. He serves on the Board of the Queens College Foundation and was formerly Chairman of the Board.

Public Company Directorships

Mr. Gerard is Lead Director and member of the Compensation Committee and Governance Committee of Joy Global, Inc. (JOY-NYSE) – the leading global manufacturer of above ground and underground mining equipment with more than 50% of revenue generated from Asia, Europe and Africa. Mr. Gerard has been on the Joy Global Board since 2001 and is classified as a “Financial Expert” per the NYSE guidelines.

Mr. Gerard is Director, Chairman of the Compensation Committee and member of the Audit Committee of Lennar Corporation (LEN-NYSE) – the nation’s second largest home builder. Mr. Gerard has been a member of the Lennar Board since 2000 and is classified as a “Financial Expert” per the NYSE guidelines.

Mr. Gerard is Director, Chairman of the Compensation Committee, member of the Compliance Committee and the Audit Committee of Las Vegas Sands Company (LVS-NYSE) and is classified as a “Financial Expert” per the NYSE guidelines.

Prior Public Company Boards of Directors

U.S. Homes Corporation (NYSE) 1993-2000
TIMCO Aviation Services (NYSE) 2000-2005
Banner Aerospace Corporation 1992-1999
Fairchild Corporation (NYSE-FA) 1999-2006
DeepTech International, Inc. 1992-1998

Prior Work Experience

1997-2000 Chairman and Chief Executive of Great Point Capital, Inc. – Private investment and advisory firm.
1991-1997 Chairman and Chief Executive Office – Triangle Wire and Cable, Inc. and its successor, Ocean View Capital, Inc. – 4th largest U.S. manufacturer of residential, commercial and industrial wire and cable and conduit with plants in six states and nationwide distribution. Successfully restructured company and sold in 1996 to Essex Wire and Cable, Inc.
1978 – 1991 Citibank, NA.

Senior Managing Director responsible for credit, portfolio, and risk management for Citibank’s corporate and investment banking activities in the United States, Europe, Australia and Japan (1990-1991); Division Executive for the National Corporate Finance Division responsible for most of Citibank’s domestic corporate banking activities (1988-1990); Senior Corporate Workout Officer – Head Institutional Recovery Management responsible for most of Citibank’s distressed borrowers (1985-1988); National Head - Asset Based Lending responsible for all U.S. leverage buy-outs lending and commercial finance activities (1982-1985). Joined Citibank in 1976 and managed operations and credit activities in the corporate bank and asset based lending group.

Prior to Citibank, Mr. Gerard spent 8 years at the American Stock Exchange where he last served as Vice President – Securities Division.