How many years have you been in the school business profession?
Twenty-five years - four as assistant treasurer and 21 as treasurer.
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
Fresh out of college, I was interviewing for jobs in the banking industry. My future sister-in-law worked for the Hardin County ESC, and an assistant treasurer position opened up.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
I'm not sure I have a single proudest career accomplishment; it is more like a string of accomplishments. I remember when I was interviewing for my current position, one of the questions I was asked was, "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" My answer was simple. As a brand new treasurer, I had a couple of key people whom I leaned on for support and guidance, and to answer all of my questions. I wanted to be that guy...the one other people sought out for guidance. That is why I have welcomed three treasurer interns and have mentored three others through OASBO's mentoring program. That doesn't count the many others I have provided guidance to through the years. Every time I am able to help a new Treasurer solve an issue or steer them in the right direction, it gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment; even though it may not be on display for the world.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
Managing funds appropriately so that we can provide as many resources as possible to the students we serve, especially at an ESC. We serve the most vulnerable of students. We need to be able to provide our staff with the tools they need to help make our students as successful as possible.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
Our ESC has 7 client districts with a total of 7,800 students. We are the 44th biggest ESC in the state (out of 51). Despite how small we appear, we provide services to districts spanning a large area. We are actually the largest ESC in the state in terms of General Fund Expenditures per ADM. This is a testament to our staff with quality services they provide and our administration with their focus on servant leadership.
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
See my "proudest career accomplishment". I continue to strive to provide as much support and guidance as I can to my fellow treasurers.
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
When I was in college, my mom used to tell people (in jest) that I was minoring in music because I was in at least one choir and one band almost every quarter I was in school at The Ohio State University. From The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club to The Ohio State University Marching Band, I was fortunate to experience many opportunities. During my five years in the Men's Glee Club, I performed in New York, Chicago, and some of the most incredible cathedrals and castles in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. During my five years in the Marching Band, I went to the Rose Bowl, two Sugar Bowls, the Outback Bowl, and George W. Bush's first Inauguration, along with many other trips to Big Ten football games. My wife and I met in the Marching Band, and now our two oldest children are in the band as well as the Men's and Women's Glee Clubs. Music is at the heart of our family.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A lion
Favorite TV Show?
I like crime dramas, so probably FBI or Tracker.
Favorite Movie?
The Matrix
Favorite Food?
Pizza
What is one of your favorite expressions?
A phrase I say is probably "Absolutely!" A favorite quote, it is, "We are the music-makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." ("Ode" by Arthur O'Shaughnessy)
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
The first question they ask is "what district do you work for"? When I tell them the Madison-Champaign ESC, they either respond with a blank stare or "What is an ESC?"
What has been the best, or your favorite part of being involved in OASBO?
The best part of being involved in OASBO is the networking. While I continue to strive to be the "go-to" guy, I understand that I don't know everything. The more people I meet and get to know, the more likely I am to know someone who will be able to help me when I do have a question.