How many years have you been in the school business profession?
29 years!
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
I started my career working for an independent CPA firm that specialized in audit and financial reporting for public entities.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
The financing and construction of three new elementary buildings and a new high school with an attached community center consisting of a YMCA, senior center, community television station, and Summa outpatient offices. Through collaboration with the OFCC and the City of Wadsworth, along with maximizing proceeds from the Medina County Sales Tax, we were able to bring $120M in new facilities to our community with a $65M Bond Levy.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
To provide the board of education and the administrative team with accurate projections of revenue and expenditures, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with the district’s financial constraints. Additionally, to equip the Treasurer’s Office staff with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to effectively manage the day-to-day financial operations of the district in full compliance with district policies.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
Wadsworth is a larger district with a small-town atmosphere, creating the best of both worlds. As a bigger district, we have the ability to offer a wide range of programs and opportunities to our students, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. At the same time, we maintain a strong sense of community, with many individuals who grew up here returning to raise their families.
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
Retirement!!!
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
Since 2018, I have been an Adjunct Professor at Ashland University, teaching School Finance courses within the Dwight Schar College of Education.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A grizzly bear of course!
Favorite TV Show?
Friends
Favorite Movie?
Top Gun
Favorite Food?
Italian
What is one of your favorite expressions?
Be true to yourself
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
What do you actually do?
What has been the best, or your favorite part of being involved in OASBO?
Meeting people and developing relationships that go beyond the profession.