How did you first learn about, and then become involved in the school business profession? I was a state auditor. A lot of us get kind of interested in being a treasurer from working at the Auditor of State's office. I was at AOS and had several very good treasurers who pushed me towards becoming a school treasurer.
What's your proudest career accomplishment to date?I would say it would probably have to be the streamlining of processes in my office because that's allowed us to work more efficiently. But in the end, it gives more time to the rest of the school staff and what they do in their daily processes, so they can focus more on the students. Then they can also get the teachers their supplies faster. So just the streamlining of processes is a huge accomplishment, because if you didn't do that, then people are spending more time they could be using other places.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?Probably a tie between budgeting and working with legislators.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?Our varsity high school basketball team plays their games at our junior high, and our junior high team plays their games at our high school. So anybody in the state that comes for tournaments or games, you will probably get lost. A community member will have to give you directions to the junior high. That's kind of unique.
What is at the top of your professional bucket list? I would say to always to operate in the black is the bucket list every year, and we've done it for 20 plus years. That's always going to be the top of the bucket list for me, making sure we have that money to make sure the kids have the best learning process.
What about the top of your personal bucket list? I have three kids, and so the top of my personal bucket list is to raise respectful, kind, and successful adults, in whatever they do.
If you were an office supply item, which would you be and why? I would have to say I'd be a stapler because I feel like I can hold things together pretty well and that's what a staplers job is.
What's your favorite TV show?I would have to say Yellowstone.
What's your favorite movie?Back to the Future. I can watch it over and over again.
How many years have you been an OASBO member?I've been a member for eight years.
How did you first get involved? I first got involved in OASBO through a chapter meeting. The first meeting I attended, I was elected Vice President of the chapter. I wanted to be involved but I didn't expect that at the first meeting, but it worked out really well. And then I got really involved with legislation dealing with the college credit plus program and wanting to get that legislation changed for the better. I've just stayed super involved ever since then.
What has been the best or your favorite part of being involved in OASBO? I'd say that the networking and professional development. It goes above and beyond in those areas - you get so much from those two things.