How many years have you been in the school business profession?
This is my rookie year after 14 years in the high school math classroom.
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
I had been a high school math teacher (Algebra II and Statistics) for 14 years, with 2 years at Marion Local and 12 years at St. Henry. In that timeframe, I developed a love for personal finance. My alma mater, Versailles, had a treasurer's opening, and my loving and supportive wife investigated the OASBO alternative pathway and encouraged me to pursue a career shift. After becoming a graduate of the Essentials courses and 2 different springs of interviews (did not land the job my first spring without a license), I was lucky enough to have the Board of Education take a chance on this rookie treasurer. The last six months have been a blur but I am loving all that I am learning and am thrilled with this career. It has been very rewarding to serve the community and school that gave my wife and me the foundation for a life we love.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
I think it's too early to call anything an accomplishment yet. I am proud of the relationships I have already developed in this profession. We are lucky to have such high quality school treasurers for our proud communities in the western edge of the state. Dee Cramer connected me with Rhonda Zimmerly (former OASBO board member) and she has been instrumental in making sure I don't go off the rails. I took over for Lori Koch, whose work is immaculate. Carla Surber, Jean Borchers, Jill Ahlers, Jenn Bruns, and even our association president Katie Johnson have all been tremendous in helping me any time I reach out. I'm indebted and hope that someday I have the skills to pay forward to someone else, the kindness they have shown me.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
The aforementioned relationships and ability to get help have been the most important so far. I'm only surviving because others have been willing to help me. Personal skills that are important to me include an almost religious commitment to organization; always looking ahead to be prepared for the challenges that are a month ahead; and also to always show appreciation for those I work with and those I work for. My coworkers in Versailles are tremendously devoted to the success of our district, and I am blessed that they have been patient with me as I fumble through everything for the first time.
What is one thing you feel makes your position unique in the state?
A fun, unique fact about Versailles as a whole, not just our schools, is our devotion to poultry. The egg industry is a huge part of our community, and we honor that heritage with a town festival called Poultry Days. Last year, we were able to set a Guinness Book of World Records for BBQ chicken dinners sold at one event (not sure if the counting would hold up to the rigors of a state audit or not).
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
I don't know that I have enough experience yet to have fully formed a bucket list for this profession. I have been extremely lucky to get to pursue many avenues in my previous schools, with all experiences being invaluable to me both personally and professionally. As I get my head to stop spinning and put some good years under my belt as a treasurer, I hope to get a deeper understanding of the opportunities afforded to me and then develop a professional bucket list.
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
My wife and I have been married for twelve years. Even though her dad and my dad were best friends and in each other's weddings, she still made me work hard for that first date. Working in schools is central to our family. She was a High School English teacher for ten years and is now in her third year as an elementary guidance counselor. Before that, her mom spent her entire career as a high school business teacher at Greenville High School.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
Favorite TV Show?
The West Wing
Favorite Movie?
Good Will Hunting
Favorite Food?
Fried chicken
What is one of your favorite expressions?
Not an expression, but this quote has always spoken to me, first as a math teacher and now as a treasurer:
"Concern for man himself and his fate must always constitute the chief objective of all technological endeavors...in order that the creations of our mind shall be a blessing and not a curse to mankind. Never forget this in the midst of your diagrams and equations." ~Albert Einstein
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
"Is that a full-time job?"
What has been the best, or your favorite part, of being involved in OASBO?
The professional quality with which they seem to do everything! Truly first-class people and offerings. I've never been disappointed by a professional development offering from OASBO. Their all-encompassing support has given me a solid foundation for starting in this profession.