How many years have you been in the school business profession?
53
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
My Grandmother was an elementary teacher and father was a school Superintendent. I studied finance in college and began my career in banking and my father recommended I pursue a career in education using my finance and business education. That led me to my first job in 1973 as the clerk (now titled treasurer) in Woodridge Local Schools.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
This is a very difficult question. I have had several. First, at the age of 34, I became OASBO president. My theme was "Foundation for the Future". During my term, I created the OASBO Foundation and established several annual scholarship awards to students in select member districts. The foundation also employed for the first time, Howard Fleeter, to conduct research for OASBO. I also created the Outstanding Treasurer, Business Manager, Food Service Director, and Transportation Director annual awards. Later in my career, while Chief Financial Officer for the Mentor Public Schools, in cooperation with the board of education and superintendent, we engineered the fastest recovery from Fiscal Emergency in the history of the program. The recovery only took five months. I also had the privilege to serve as associate superintendent of School Finance and Accountability for the Ohio Department of Education.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
Providing prudent fiscal management of the School District Funds and providing ongoing support to the board of education and the superintendent.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
I have served in small local districts, the 6th largest district in the state, an urban district, an extremely wealthy district, and an inner-ring suburban district. I have learned that every district has many very unique features.
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
Sharing my accumulated experiences and knowledge with other school business officials, superintendents, and board members.
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
I've ridden the Goodyear Blimp!
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A bald eagle
Favorite TV Show?
Sherlock Holmes
Favorite Movie?
The Sting
Favorite Food?
Steaks
Your favorite expressions?
Don't accept a budget justification of "it's good for kids"
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
What do you do in the summer?
What has been the best, or your favorite part, of being involved in OASBO?
Sharing our unique professional world.