Steven Atwater

An accomplished finance and operations expert, Steven Atwater (he/him/his) brings knowledge of day-to-day financial operations of both for-profit and non-profit organizations, as well as practical experience with budget planning, information technology upgrades, human resources and benefits, and cross-team collaboration and data sharing. 

Most recently, Atwater held a position as the Assistant Finance Director of Program Contracts for Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA), a Massachusetts non-profit organization that advocates for polices and programming designed to end homelessness in Massachusetts. During his time there, Atwater helped streamline and modernize the process of contracting and distributing funds to dozens of subcontracted service providers, delivering over $17 million in funding in 2021.  

Prior to MHSA, Atwater served Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) in different capacities, including the role of Director of Financial Operations. While there, Atwater oversaw multiple successful audits and fiscal years with a surplus, supported the management of 2 PPP loans and upgrades to BLO’s contract processing software, advised company departments on budget, and administered benefits programs. He also assisted with a crucial transition to a new third party IT provider. Before advancing to the finance department of the organization, Atwater was BLO’s Manager in the Artistic department, where he provided support to hundreds of singers, musicians, designers, composers, and other artists. Throughout his career, Atwater has also fulfilled roles at several other Massachusetts arts institutions, including Boston Ballet and North Shore Music Theatre. 

Actively engaged in the local theater and dance communities, Atwater was affiliated with the Board of Directors at Arlington Friends of the Drama, Inc. Atwater holds a bachelor of arts degree in history and a master of business administration degree from Endicott College. He has also completed certifications in non-profit accounting from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.