Meryl Newman

Chief Financial Officer
  • Strategic financial executive with deep expertise in accounting, treasury, and compliance
  • Proven leader in budgeting, forecasting, audit, and capital planning
  • Cross-sector experience spanning private investments, venture capital, nonprofits, and family offices
  • Passed CPA exam on first attempt; held active Washington State license from 1994 to 2010
  • Birkman Certified Professional

EXPERTISE
Alternatives, Private Investments, Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Venture Capital, Retirement, Investment Vehicles, Fund Administration, Personal Trusts, Institutional Trusts, Collective Investment Trusts (CITs), Custody, Structured Finance, Audit, Tax, Human Resources, Budgeting, Forecasting, Employee Development.

EXPERIENCE
As Chief Financial Officer of Alta Trust Company, Meryl Newman leads the firm’s accounting, finance, and human resources with a blend of strategic financial expertise and a deep appreciation for the people who power the business. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that sustainable financial health is inseparable from a strong, values-driven culture.

At Alta Trust, Meryl oversees budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, audits, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. She also leads the company’s HR strategy—supporting talent development, employee engagement, and organizational well-being. Her entrepreneurial mindset and cross-sector experience allow her to guide strategic decisions, champion employee growth, and align operational performance with people-first principles.

Meryl’s career spans the specialty finance sector, where she’s held leadership roles in small ticket leasing, lending, venture capital, nonprofits, and family offices. Her work has encompassed accounting, treasury, and human resources, giving her a uniquely holistic perspective. She began her professional journey in public accounting with BDO Seidman, contributing to the firm’s growth in the Pacific Northwest and working across a variety of industries.

She later launched a consulting practice, leveraging trusted relationships built over her career to advise companies on financial and operational strategy—offering both structure and empathy to organizations navigating growth and change.

Outside of work, Meryl is deeply involved in her community. She led a successful fundraising campaign for a new school playground while serving on her daughters’ PTA board. She also enjoys camping and hiking with her family, practicing yoga, and embracing all the natural beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

EDUCATION
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Lubar School of Business, BS in Accounting

RESIDES IN
Tacoma, Washington

“My experience has taught me that what truly matters is building connections. Connecting the success of a company to its financial health, actions to results and people to each other. Building connections is where I always begin.”

– Meryl Newman, Chief Financial Officer, Alta Trust

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