How many years have you been in the school business profession?
1 year
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
I was catching up with Patrick McGinty, the treasurer of Dalton Local Schools. He was talking about the different aspects of his job and what it entailed. The different facets of the role were all things I was interested in having in my profession. That led to me going through the OASBO Pathway for licensure.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Being my first year I wouldn't say I have a career accomplishment to speak to. Instead, I will say how grateful I am for the treasurer community and how everyone is so willing and eager to provide advice, wisdom, and guidance.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
I think the most important aspect of my job is providing sound fiscal data that is clearly communicated to my board, administration, staff, and the community. My goal is to ensure that our district makes long-term strategic decisions, so we have the financial resources to continue providing a great education to our students.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
Orrville is a small town with a close-knit community that has incredible support for our school district. Businesses, alumni, and the community support education in a multitude of ways. One example of this is a local foundation called the Heartland Education Community. Their mission is to bring together members and leaders from the community to support education. Their mission statement is “Shifting the focus from school to education and shifting the responsibility from school to community.” Leaders from Orrville meet every other month to discuss and implement ways to support the district and community. It was recently featured on PBS!
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
One of my professional goals is to support others in their path to this career field. I appreciate the support I had while working toward my license and in this first year. I would love to provide that for others.
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
Before I was a treasurer, I was on active duty in the Army with the 82nd Airborne Division and still serve with an Airborne Army Reserve unit. On any given week, I might be presenting the district’s forecast at a board meeting on Tuesday and leading fellow paratroopers out of a C-130 on Saturday!
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A dog, my wife claims I have golden retriever energy.
Favorite TV Show
The Office
Favorite Movie?
The Sandlot
Favorite Food?
Pretty much anything with Sriracha on it.
What is one of your favorite expressions?
Whatever you are, be a good one.
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
"How did you get into that?" and "Do you have summers off?"
What has been the best, or your favorite part of being involved in OASBO?
I am grateful for the OASBO Pathway and the foundation it provided for entering this career field. OASBO provides strong continued learning opportunities and has helped form an amazing culture of support and learning through the Treasurer community. I have really appreciated the wisdom and advice of experienced Treasurers as I have navigated my first year.