Otis B. Usher

Otis B. Usher is a seasoned financial executive with a distinguished career spanning five decades across not-for-profit, private, and public sectors. Known for his leadership and operational excellence, Otis has led financial transformations and driven sustainable growth in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, professional services, financial services, health information, and not-for-profit.

Otis currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for Blessings in a Backpack, a national nonprofit dedicated to combating childhood hunger. In this role, he is responsible for the organization’s financial management and planning, performance analytics, process improvements, food solutions, technology and administrative areas.

Previously, he was the CFO and Vice President of Finance at the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), where he guided financial operations for both the association and its related foundation. During his tenure, he significantly improved cash flow management, implemented rigorous financial oversight, and played a key role in executive recruitment.

His career also includes impactful roles at PLS Financial Services as Director of Finance, where he led corporate budgeting, financial analysis, and procurement strategies, generating significant cost savings. At Jefferson Wells International, Otis directed financial operations and internal controls practices, managing a team of over 30 consultants and spearheading complex client engagements. Prior to Jefferson Wells he also served as a consultant with The Johnsson Group, where he advanced to the role of Chief Operating Officer leading the firm through explosive growth while maintaining low turnover and operational efficiency.

Otis’s early career included financial leadership roles with both public and privately held entities including VisionTek, Inc., W.W. Grainger, Inc., Kearney-National, and Alberto-Culver Company. Otis began his career in public accounting with the prominent firm of Arthur Andersen & Co.

Otis is a long-standing member and past President of the Financial Executives International (FEI) Chicago Chapter, where he has held leadership roles since 2008. Under his presidency from 2014-2016, the chapter saw notable membership growth and enhanced community outreach. In 2017, Otis was honored with the FEI National Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the FEI National organization.

A Certified Public Accountant in Illinois, Otis holds a B.S. in Accounting from Quincy University and has completed Six Sigma Green Belt Training with the Chicago Deming Association. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence, collaborative leadership and an unwavering focus on mission-driven success.

Otis and his wife Anastasia are native Chicagoans living in the South Loop area and spend much of their free time trying to keep up with their two young grandsons.