Poly Prep Country Day School has announced the appointment of Monique Lopez as its next Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO), effective July 1, 2025. Lopez brings nearly two decades of high-level financial leadership experience, with a strong emphasis on non-profit and institutional finance.
Currently serving as Managing Director & Industry Executive at J.P. Morgan within the Government, Healthcare, Higher Education & Non-Profit Group (GHHN), Lopez has led a national team supporting public sector clients. Prior to that, she spent 11 years at Wells Fargo, advancing to Vice President in Government & Institutional Banking. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition, including being named among Crain’s Notable Diverse Leaders in Banking.
“Monique’s extensive experience in corporate and commercial finance and commitment to fiscal responsibility will be instrumental in supporting our mission to provide exceptional learning opportunities for all students,” said Head of School John Rankin.
Lopez holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Mount Saint Vincent and a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, specializing in Advanced Non-Profit Management. She is also a Certified Treasury Professional with deep expertise in cash management, revenue diversification, and strategic project execution.
In addition to her corporate achievements, Lopez is the founder of Omni Breakthrough, LLC, a mentorship and coaching platform through which she has guided over 100 students into competitive finance internships. She has also served as a speaker and workshop facilitator at institutions such as Columbia University, DePaul, and Barnard College.
Incoming Head of School Dr. Noni Thomas López praised Lopez’s preparation and vision. “Monique brings exceptional expertise in financial planning, governance, and HR management, combined with a genuine passion for K-12 education that makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” she said.
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Lopez, a Bronx native and lifelong New Yorker, said she sees her new role as a meaningful shift. “When I think about Poly Prep and what it represents as a mission- and purpose-driven organization, it aligns perfectly with my values around education and community service,” she noted. “I’m transitioning from the banking world to a role where I can have a deeper, more thoughtful impact.”
She credits her early exposure to finance through her family’s small business and a transformative fellowship program as key turning points in her career. “People say I was lucky, but luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” she reflected.
Lopez also emphasized the importance of organizational culture in financial leadership: “Numbers and strategies matter, but culture will eat strategy for breakfast. Everyone needs to be rowing in the same direction.”
A former student-athlete with aspirations of becoming a coach, Lopez said that leadership and teamwork remain central to her approach. “I admire my coaches—they helped shape who I’ve become,” she said.
Now based in Brooklyn with her family, Lopez expressed her excitement for the future: “The sky’s the limit. I hold a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education and the strength of community.”
