Proficiencies
- Organizational strategy
- Strategic planning
- Change management
- Market analysis
- Succession and leadership coaching
Credentials
Master’s degree in Business Administration, Strategy & Leadership Major, Kelley School, Indiana University
Bachelor’s degree in Music, Boston University
What Clients Value Most
Erik Finley helps leaders turn complex challenges into clear strategic direction. He combines analytical rigor with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics to drive sustainable growth. Erik works with clients to clarify differentiation, spark innovation, and build entrepreneurial cultures. Drawing on his experience with nonprofit and creative organizations, he helps teams strengthen performance and organizational health—even in resource-constrained environments.
Getting Results for Clients
- Utilized market analysis, product mix, and product differentiation strategies to impact one-year annual revenue growth across three different organizations ranging from 15-17%
- Facilitated strategic capital investments, cost efficiencies, pricing and market strategies to improve net profitability of a company’s product line by 70+%
- Advised CEOs, board chairs, and search committees for executive and artistic leadership succession planning and onboarding across 4 organizations
- Collaborative partner to various C-suite non-profit leaders navigating complex operational constraints, financial turnarounds, and rapidly changing external environments
Prior to CSI
- Vice President at Minnesota Orchestra for three years
- 13-years of executive experience at four non-profit arts organizations and venues ranging in size from $9M to $42M, leading departments ranging from 4 to 120
In The Community
Erik has held an eight-year relationship with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra as General Manager and Consultant. In such role, he has partnered with a variety of community cultural and educational institutions and led operations and artistic endeavors during planning for the Orchestra’s $140+ million capital expansion and renovation project. He currently serves as the board chair at Forest Park Montessori School in St. Louis’ Shaw neighborhood.
