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Member Spotlight: Tia Kearney, Treasurer/CFO, Lorain City Schools

By Tia Kearney posted 05-21-2025 02:36 PM

  

How many years have you been in the school business profession?

I started my career in the school business profession in payroll, in 2015. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various roles within Human Resources and Finance. In March of 2020, I stepped into the role of Treasurer/CFO.


How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?

By chance or maybe divine intervention, my mother came across a school payroll posting and encouraged me to apply. I decided to apply and was fortunate to land the job. During my time in that role, the Treasurer I worked with encouraged me to pursue my Treasurer's license, helping me prepare for future career growth and new opportunities.


What is your proudest career accomplishment?

I'm proud to have earned my MBA, to have helped build a strong and supportive fiscal office team, and to have been asked to participate on panels at the annual OASBO conferences.


What do you feel is the most important part of your job?

I feel that most important parts of my job include honesty, transparency, open communication, building strong relationships and accuracy. It’s also becoming incredibly important to find ways to be adaptable while ensuring compliance with rules and regulations in a constantly evolving environment.


What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?

It's definitely a tie between having 8 unions and the way that the community takes care of each other in times of crisis.


What is at the top of your professional bucket list?

To conquer my fear of public speaking.


What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

How much I love concerts, plays, musicals, and comedy shows.


If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

A lioness.

Favorite TV Show?

Law & Order, Suits, and The View!


Favorite Movie?

Corrina, Corinna


Favorite Food?

Any and every food that my mother and grandmother will make.


Your favorite expressions?

I'm often heard saying, "Is this real life?", "What a day!", or "Interesting!"


When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?

"Do you get summers off?"


What has been the best, or your favorite part, of being involved in OASBO?
The best part of being involved in OASBO has been the opportunities opportunity to connect and build relationships with so many incredible professionals in my field.

 

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