Jeanne Phares is a dynamic financial executive whose professional journey is distinguished by more than three decades of impactful leadership in finance, operations, and organizational strategy. Her career reflects a rare blend of analytical precision, cross-functional collaboration, and a lifelong commitment to operational excellence. From her early days in public accounting to her pivotal roles in private and public corporations, Jeanne has continuously demonstrated a process-oriented approach to problem-solving and a passion for driving meaningful change in complex environments.

Raised with a strong sense of diligence and purpose, Jeanne embarked on her professional journey after earning her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Southern California, graduating cum laude. She began her career with Deloitte & Touche LLP, where she rose through the ranks over the course of 13 years to become a senior manager. During her time at Deloitte, Jeanne led financial audits and consulting engagements for major clients across real estate, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries. She developed deep expertise in SEC reporting, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, internal audit, and IPO preparation—skills that would become foundational in her later executive roles.

In pursuit of deeper strategic impact, Jeanne earned her MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management, completing an international project with Oracle Software and further sharpening her global business acumen. Her transition from consulting to industry roles was seamless, as she brought both technical rigor and a holistic business view to each new challenge. At MannKind Corporation, she assumed the role of Director of Internal Audit, where she successfully remediated a material weakness in clinical trial accruals and restructured teams to enhance productivity and morale.

Her next chapter at The Macerich Company marked a significant evolution in Jeanne’s executive leadership. As Vice President and Group Controller for this publicly traded real estate investment trust, she oversaw accounting and SEC reporting for over $1.5 billion in assets. Jeanne led transformative automation projects in partnership with IT, built a procurement department that managed $40 million in spending, and developed a robust compliance framework for tax and REIT regulations. Her ability to build and mentor high-performing teams—growing a 20+ person department—underscored her gift for cultivating talent and instilling a culture of accountability and innovation.

Jeanne continued her executive ascent at GHC Housing Partners, one of the nation’s largest affordable housing owners and operators. As Senior Vice President of Accounting, Investor Relations, and Asset Management, she played a critical role in streamlining more than 100 investment entities into a centralized accounting system, enhancing transparency and reporting accuracy. She also introduced a secure investor portal that revolutionized how stakeholders accessed performance metrics and distributions. Her strategic oversight extended beyond finance—Jeanne spearheaded the firm’s IT enhancements and cyber training initiatives, embodying her forward-looking approach to operational resilience.

Throughout her career, Jeanne has maintained an unwavering focus on process improvement. Her efforts to simplify workflows, integrate systems, and drive automation have delivered measurable results in productivity and compliance. She is highly sought after for her ability to quickly assess organizational inefficiencies and architect sustainable solutions that align with broader business goals. Whether managing internal controls, leading due diligence for acquisitions, or advising leadership on fiscal strategy, Jeanne’s contributions consistently elevate operational outcomes and stakeholder confidence.

Jeanne’s professional journey is also distinguished by her commitment to service and learning. She served on the Audit Committee for the Women’s Foundation of California, supporting initiatives that empower women through policy advocacy and economic opportunity. Her work with startups and pro bono advisory further reflects her dedication to mentorship and community impact. Jeanne is equally passionate about helping early-stage ventures establish sound financial infrastructure—her deep experience offers invaluable guidance to founders navigating rapid growth and scalability.

An advocate for lifelong wellness and personal growth, Jeanne is an accomplished self-publisher and founder of Sage Lifestyle Press. Through her writing, she explores themes of health, financial freedom, and personal development—topics close to her heart. Her books reflect a desire to inspire readers to live intentionally, embrace change, and invest in both their physical and financial well-being. This creative outlet allows her to connect with a broader audience and extend her impact beyond the boardroom.

Jeanne’s international experience, including business exposure in the UK, Ireland, and Australia, adds a global dimension to her leadership perspective. Fluent in French and deeply curious about culture, she brings empathy and adaptability to cross-border collaborations. Whether engaging with foreign investors or participating in field studies abroad, she navigates international dynamics with ease and insight.

Today, Jeanne Phares occupies a unique position at the nexus of experience, purpose, and passion. Her ability to lead with both precision and vision makes her an exceptional candidate for board and advisory roles. She is excited to contribute her expertise to organizations seeking transformative leadership, operational excellence, and values-driven strategy. With a career rooted in integrity, Jeanne continues to show up—not just as a leader, but as a catalyst for enduring impact.

Character:

Jeanne Phares embodies integrity, dependability, and a strong sense of responsibility in every professional engagement. Her commitment to mentoring others and contributing to the greater good reflects her deep-rooted values and dedication to purposeful leadership.

Knowledge:

With over two decades of experience across diverse industries, Jeanne possesses exceptional expertise in finance, operations, systems integration, and investor relations. Her academic foundation and real-world accomplishments position her as a trusted authority on business transformation and organizational efficiency.

Strategic:

Jeanne is a visionary thinker who applies a process-oriented lens to complex challenges, aligning operational initiatives with long-term business objectives. Her ability to identify improvement opportunities and implement scalable solutions has consistently delivered measurable growth and value.

Communication:

An articulate and thoughtful communicator, Jeanne excels at translating intricate financial and technical information into actionable insights for diverse audiences. She builds trust and collaboration through transparent dialogue, active listening, and a calm, confident leadership style.