ROCHESTER, NY SWBR has added Michael Picard to the leadership team as CFO. With three decades of financial management experience, Picard is an expert in implementing strategic financial plans into operational plans, providing guidance to the organization’s president and CEO, and managing an organization’s overall corporate governance. 

“Mike is a proactive, assertive and inquisitive leader who is a natural fit at SWBR,” said Tom Gears, AIA president and CEO of the firm. “We invested a great deal of time searching for the right person to serve in this key leadership role. During our first meeting with Mike, it was clear that he has the experience, integrity, strategy and competency that’s right for this position. Mike’s influence will make SWBR stronger and more resilient moving forward as a business, and he will set a positive example as a leader and colleague for our team.” 

Most recently Picard served as CFO at the Costello Group, where he served as an executive manager of all financial operations, treasury management, debt service and regulatory reporting, and provided strategic analysis .

He earned a master’s in Finance and Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as well as a bachelor’s in accounting from Central Connecticut State University.

Picard holds three certifications from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, including Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) and Group Plans Associate (GBA). He is also Six-Sigma Lean and DFSS (Green Belt) certified. He serves as a member of the Institute of Management Accountants, the Construction Financial Management Association and Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists.

He resides in West Bloomfield with his wife, Cindy.