Cait Finn Appointed Director of the Zeigler Institute for Professional Development

Commonwealth University has named Cait Finn as the new director of the Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD), bringing more than 15 years of experience in leadership development, professional coaching, higher education, athletics, and organizational consulting to the role.

As director, Finn will lead ZIPD’s efforts to prepare students across CU’s Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses for success through leadership development, career readiness programming, professional engagement opportunities, and partnerships with employers and industry leaders.

Finn joins Commonwealth University from Wise Woman Enterprises, the leadership and professional development coaching and consulting firm she founded to support business owners, executives, and high-performing leaders. Throughout her career, she has designed and scaled leadership programs, coached executive teams, developed curriculum, and helped organizations strengthen performance through strategic planning and human-centered leadership practices.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cait to Commonwealth University and the Zeigler Institute,” said Peter Campbell, dean of the Zeigler College of Business. “Her track record of building impactful programs and fostering meaningful professional growth makes her the ideal person to lead the Zeigler Institute as we continue to expand opportunities for our students and alumni.”

Prior to founding Wise Woman Enterprises, Finn served as assistant director of leadership programs at Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, where she directed leadership certificate programs, coordinated professional development initiatives, and built partnerships that connected students with experiential learning opportunities. She also designed and launched a first-year student success program while serving as a coordinator and coach with the Hobart Football Team.

“The Zeigler Institute plays a critical role in connecting learning with career success, and Cait’s experience developing leaders, building communities, and creating transformative educational experiences will help elevate that work,” said Lynda Michaels, associate vice president for alumni and professional engagement at CU. “We are excited about the energy, creativity, and vision she brings to this position.”

“JoAnn and I created the Zeigler Institute because we believe every student deserves the opportunity to develop the leadership skills and professional experiences that open doors throughout their career,” said Terry Zeigler ’76. “Cait brings the expertise, energy, and commitment to student success that will help the institute make an even greater impact for students across Commonwealth University's Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses.”

Finn earned a Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences from Ithaca College and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Nazareth College. She has also completed graduate coursework toward a Master of Social Work at Adelphi University and holds several professional certifications in leadership, coaching, and performance development.

“I’m excited to join Commonwealth University and help advance the mission of the Zeigler Institute,” said Finn. “Professional development is about more than preparing students for their first job—it’s about helping people develop the confidence, leadership skills, and adaptability they need to thrive throughout their careers. I look forward to creating meaningful opportunities for growth and success alongside our students, alumni, faculty, and industry partners.”

Established through the generosity of Terry Zeigler ’76 and his wife, JoAnn, the Zeigler Institute for Professional Development serves students on Commonwealth University’s Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses as a catalyst for career readiness, leadership development, professional networking, and lifelong learning.