(Middlefield, OH) - Cardinal Local Schools welcomed a new member to the treasurer’s department as Dan Wilson officially began his role following board approval on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. His previous role was Director of Business Development at the Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve (ESCWR).
Wilson brings with him many years of experience, including serving as Chief Financial Officer for the Mentor Exempted Village School District Board of Education. Associate Superintendent for the Center for School Finance and Accountability at the Ohio Department of Education, Chief Financial Officer and Budget Director for the Parma City School District Board of Education, Board of Education Treasurer for the Shaker Heights City Schools, and the Canton City School in Stark County. He also served as treasurer for several school districts, including the Stark County Board of Education in Louisville, Ohio; Woodridge Local Schools; South-Western City Schools in Franklin County; and both Kirtland and Newbury Local Schools. He brings more than four decades of experience working in and supporting treasurer’s departments across various school districts.
As Jack Cunningham begins his fourth year with Cardinal Local Schools in the fall, he continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining a fiscally responsible school district.
"I am thrilled to welcome Daniel L. Wilson to our Cardinal Local team," said Cunningham. "With his extensive experience and proven track record, I am confident that he will make a strong impact. We are excited and look forward to working together as we continue to grow, innovate, and move Cardinal Local Schools forward."
So, you’ve met Mr. Wilson—let’s talk a bit about where he’s coming from. Wilson graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1968 and went on to attend The Ohio State University. He then graduated from The University of Akron with his Master's degree in Finance. He first worked for Falls Savings and Loan, located in Cuyahoga Falls. He worked as a management trainee there. His career in school finance began in the early 1970s with the Woodridge Local Board of Education.
“My degree is in finance, and I started in the banking industry. But my grandmother was an elementary school teacher, my father was a teacher, and he ultimately became a superintendent. My wife was a school board member at one time before becoming a school nurse for the bulk of her career, so public education was a part of our lives as I was growing up,” said Wilson as he reflected on how education has shaped his life. “I have a strong commitment to public education, and the combination of the history of education in my family and the opportunity to enter into management at a young age.”
Wilson’s success doesn’t just stop at the schools where he works. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for University Hospitals Lake Health and is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Ohio School Employees Retirement System. Wilson has shared his expertise in school finance through lectures at colleges and universities, as well as at seminars hosted by OASBO, OSBA, and the Ohio PTA. He also served as a professor at Ashland University. He has also served as the Fonner Treasurer for Grace United Church of Christ in Uniontown, Ohio, as well as for organizations such as the Stalnaker Family Association and Applewood Centers.
Respectfully so, his hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Wilson has earned several awards. For starters, he was awarded the Ohio Association of School Business Officials' “Rich Unger Pinnacle Award” in 2014. This award is given to a member for their development and implementation of a Treasury Business Services model. His service to children and youth also helped him secure the Ohio PTA Oak Tree Award in 2007. In 2001, he also earned the Outstanding Treasurer’s Award in Ohio by the Foundation for School Business Management.
In his first year at Cardinal, Wilson aims to gain a thorough understanding of the district’s operations and how the treasurer’s office can best support Jack Cunningham and the broader school community. Once he completes that task, he is looking forward to bringing his knowledge and wisdom to his new home.
“I’m looking to enhance the district’s fiscal management—not just in how we communicate with the community, but also in how we explore opportunities that can bring financial benefits to Cardinal," said Wilson on what his short and long-term goals are at Cardinal.
In the limited free time that he has, Dan enjoys spending quality time with his grandchildren. He’s also an avid sports enthusiast—whether playing or watching, he enjoys all things sports-related. His second favorite pastime is cruising in his 1972 Chevy Corvette, a special gift from his wife to celebrate his college graduation. His son owns a Corvette as well, and the two often attend car shows and displays together throughout the area.
Dan has already begun work for Cardinal in a transition period, but will officially take over the reins on July 8th as the district’s new treasurer.
“I had the opportunity to work for Cardinal Schools on several occasions, both in helping hire Jack and Terry Armstrong, and I’ve done some board workshops and got to know Cardinal’s Board of Education very well,” said Wilson. “I have such tremendous respect for all of them and also understand that the treasurer’s office is a very strong office that works very well."