Northwest Nazarene University announced Steven Emerson as vice president of finance & operations. In this role, he will provide leadership, oversight, and management of all financial and operational affairs of the university.

“NNU is pleased to have such a proven leader join the university's leadership team,” shared President Joel Pearsall. “For the past 25 years, Steve has served the banking industry as a senior-level manager either as a vice president or district president. His knowledge of financial strategic planning and operational issues will assist in the continued growth of Northwest Nazarene University for years to come.”

Emerson most recently worked as senior vice president of commercial banking at the Bank of the Cascades. In addition to his role as SVP, he has held leadership positions at American Bank of Commerce, First Security Bank, KeyBank, Farmer’s and Merchants Bank, and Home Federal Bank over the span of his career. In 2003, he was named top “40 under 40” by the Idaho Business Review.

Earning his Master of Business Administration in 1999 and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting in 1992, he attended NNU and played on the Crusader basketball team. Emerson has remained involved with NNU by serving on the Audit Committee and the Athletic Advisory Council.  

He has also been involved in the community and Church of the Nazarene in many different ways. Currently, he serves Eagle Nazarene as a Sunday school teacher and as a member of the church board and finance committee. He is also on the District Advisory Board for the Intermountain District Church of the Nazarene and the Financial Services Advisory Board of the Boise Metro Chamber. Additionally, Emerson coaches youth basketball through the Hoop Dreams Basketball Club.

He is married to Jonna Emerson, and they have four children: McKenna, Chandler, Ellie and Annabelle.

--Northwest Nazarene University