Erin J. Watkins, CFA, CPA, is an accomplished financial executive with more than twenty years of experience leading financial strategy, operations, and compliance within nonprofit institutions. She currently serves as Chief Operating and Financial Officer of the Claremont Investment Management Company (CIMC), where she is responsible for all administrative, operational, and financial functions of the Claremont Investment Fund, which manages approximately $2 billion in assets on behalf of The Claremont Colleges. Her expertise spans portfolio accounting, audit and tax coordination, and regulatory compliance, with a reputation for precision, innovation, and collaborative leadership.
Previously, Erin served as Vice President of Business and Chief Financial Officer at Claremont McKenna College, where she managed a $140 million operating budget and oversaw the financing for over $350 million in major capital projects over a fifteen-year period. She successfully led the College’s first $300 million century bond issuance and directed the redesign of financial and operational systems to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency. As a member of the President’s Executive Cabinet, she advised on institutional strategy and long-term sustainability, while also providing oversight for the finance, information technology, payroll, student accounts, and dining services departments of the College.
Earlier in her career, Erin served as Assistant Vice President for Investments and Assistant Treasurer at Harvey Mudd College, where she supported the Board’s Investment Committee and oversaw a $250 million endowment. Erin also managed financing, contracting, and compliance for the College’s federal and private grants program. She began her career in public accounting at Deloitte & Touche LLP and Capin Crouse LLP, where she gained foundational expertise in audit, internal controls, and financial reporting for nonprofit clients.
Erin holds an MBA from Claremont Graduate University’s Drucker School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in History from Azusa Pacific University. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder and a licensed Certified Public Accountant in California. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she serves as an evaluator for the WASC Senior College and University Commission and has been actively involved in community service and youth programs.