Carol Wittmeyer

Dr. Carol Wittmeyer serves as a Visiting Associate Professor and Director of the Family Business Initiative at St. John Fisher University. She holds roles as a Smith Family Business Fellow at Cornell University and faculty member at Loyola University Chicago’s Family Business Center. Previously, she was a tenured professor and Professor Emerita at St. Bonaventure University, where she founded the Family Business Club and served as interim dean of the School of Education during financial exigency (1994–1996). Her expertise spans family business governance, succession planning, and educational leadership.

Education:

• Ed.D., Educational Administration, University of Rochester
• MBA and BBA in Accounting, St. Bonaventure University

Research & Professional Activities: Wittmeyer focuses on decision-making in governing boards, family business continuity, and next-generation leadership. She has authored dozens of articles and presentations in family business disciplines, advised multigenerational firms, and served as president of the George and Robin Raymond Family Business Institute. Recent professional highlights include presenting at the USASBE 2022 Conference on succession planning and next-gen leadership development.

Service & Leadership:

• Former associate vice president for advancement at Alfred University, managing a $82M fundraising campaign
• Educational consultant to family businesses
• Board member of the National Society of Fundraising Executives

Labs/Teams: Active in Fisher’s Family Business Program, which hosts initiatives like Family Business Camp and symposia on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).