Missouri State CFO to retire

Nila Hayes, Missouri State University's chief financial officer, will retire Aug. 1 after 33 years with the school.

Hayes, 54, who was promoted to CFO in August 2008, said she is retiring to allow more time for her family.

"I have donated pretty much my life to the university over 33 years," she said. "My husband has been retired for more than eight years; we're ready to travel and do some things that a full-time job didn't allow me to do."

Another factor was the retirement incentive package Hayes chose, which allows her to remain on the university's health plan, with the school paying her coverage premiums, until she is 65.

Hayes started working for the university in January 1979, first working as a senior accountant and traveling up the ranks to director of accounting, controller and finally CFO.

Hayes earned a salary of $111,128, according to the 2009-10 Official Manual of the State of Missouri, also known as the Blue Book. www.sos.mo.gov/bluebook.

"I'm most proud of being able to grow with the institution," she said, noting the steady increase in student enrollment, campus buildings and better technology. "I've enjoyed most of my work, but I'm ready for the next chapter of my life."

Hayes has no immediate plans to go back to work full-time, but she said at some point, she would like to volunteer her time with community organizations.

The school has formed a search committee to find a successor for the CFO position.[[In-content Ad]]