About this episode

Karen Kearney discusses transforming treasury functions through innovation and automation at Stanford University.

How do you transform a treasury function from manual processes into an AI-powered, automation-driven strategic partner? In this episode, we’re joined by Karen Kearney , Treasurer at Stanford University . She leads treasury across one of the world’s most complex and innovative institutions, overseeing areas including capital markets, cash management, and financial strategy within a large, mission-driven environment. On the episode Karen Kearney , Treasurer at Stanford University shares her unconventional journey into treasury, from starting in audit to exploring a career in the culinary world before returning to finance and ultimately leading treasury at Stanford. The conversation dives into how treasury can evolve into a strategic function through innovation, automation, and collaboration. Karen explains how her team implemented predictive cash forecasting, automated complex processes, and developed in-house solutions that outperform market offerings. She also discusses the unique challenges of operating in a nonprofit, consensus-driven environment, the importance of institutional understanding, and how AI will shape the future of treasury. What We Cover in This Episode…

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