Bill McGuire and Francie Heim have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of school business leadership in California through their deep commitment to professional development, coaching, and mentorship. Their work in both the CBO Mentor Program (2004–2022) and the CASBO CBO Business Executive Leadership (BEL) Program for Small School Districts (2024) has helped develop hundreds of Chief Business Officials (CBOs) who now serve as some of the most respected and effective school finance leaders in the state.

During their 18-year tenure with the CBO Mentor Program, McGuire and Heim created a rigorous yet supportive learning environment rooted in real-world challenges, ethical leadership, and strategic thinking. They designed and led sessions that went beyond technical instruction, emphasizing high-level leadership development, critical decision-making, and personal accountability. Through structured coaching and one-on-one mentoring, they helped CBOs learn how to communicate effectively with boards and superintendents, navigate crises, and lead with integrity during times of fiscal uncertainty. Many of their participants have since gone on to serve as CBOs in large districts, county offices, FCMAT, and leadership roles within CASBO.

In 2024, their leadership of the CASBO CBO BEL Program for small school districts extended their influence to a new generation of business professionals operating in uniquely challenging environments. Understanding that small districts often face outsized responsibilities with limited staffing, McGuire and Heim provided specialized coaching in multi-role leadership, operational efficiency, and resource management. They emphasized adaptability, fiscal stewardship, and strategic communication, skills essential for success in smaller LEAs. Their hands-on guidance helped build a statewide peer network of small-district CBOs who now serve as trusted advisors and financial stewards in their communities.

Together, McGuire and Heim’s legacy is reflected in the hundreds of sitting CBOs across California who credit their development, confidence, and career advancement to the training, mentorship, and leadership coaching they received. Their influence has elevated the entire profession and contributed significantly to the financial stability and credibility of California’s public education system.

Beyond their leadership in formal cohort settings, Bill McGuire and Francie Heim have continued to provide individual coaching and mentoring to numerous former participants who have since become sitting CBOs across California. Drawing on the deep skills they honed as lead instructors in the CBO Mentor Program, they offer personalized guidance on complex issues such as collective bargaining, fiscal crisis response, board relations, and long-term financial planning. Their reputation for integrity and practical problem-solving has made them a trusted resource for County Offices of Education, who frequently refer newly appointed or interim CBOs for one-on-one support. Whether helping a first-year CBO interpret multiyear projections or advising on leadership during an audit or budget shortfall, McGuire and Heim remain committed to the ongoing success of the leaders they helped develop, ensuring that school districts across California benefit from capable, confident, and well-prepared financial leadership.

While Francie Hiem fully retired in 2025, Bill McGuire continues to coach and mentor many school business professionals.