SBO Perspectives

Steven Hopkins, Director at Wipfli, a top 25 US advisory & accounting firm, discusses evolving leadership, effective traits in navigating change, the impact of emerging technologies, and necessary skills for the future.

Tanya McCausland, co-founder & CEO of Diamond Six Leadership, discusses leading by example, navigating fast-paced environments, identifying mindset traps, self-care, and avoiding burnout.

Karen W. Smith, CPA, RTSBA, and CFO for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Texas, speaks to the impact of advocacy, Fed funds, and trends emerging from rising costs and declining enrollments, leading us to be more resilient.

Jeff McCausland, Retired US Army Colonel & Founder/CEO of Diamond6 Leadership & Strategy, discusses executive decision-making that he conducts in his ever famous storied workshops.

Brian Tomamichel, Superintendent, Mill Creek Community School Corporation, lends his powerful leadership philosophy, along with the story of his transition and how to build effective and valuable strategic partnerships all while making proud leadership decisions.

Timothy M. Hilker, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services for WSWHE BOCES, speaks to the evolution of shared administrative services, their efficiences, the collaborations, and the balancing of district needs.

Derek Jess, School Business Administrator, for Summit Schools in NJ, speaks on balancing finances & student needs, building trust with key stakeholders, and uniting SBOs.

Lynn Knight, CSRM, Director of Business Services for Nekoosa SD in Wisconsin and the next President for ASBO International, reflects on challenges throughout the year, advocacy and resiliency in school business, along with emerging trends and hope for the New Year.

Gina Lanier, CFO of Adams 12 Five Star Schools in Colorado and ASBO International Board of Director, tells the stories of her journeys, provides invaluable lessons, and keen advice for SBOs.

Dr. John W. Barile, Sr., Dean of SOE at Central Connecticut State University, discusses his book, “Leading From the Core”, how he established the School of Education, and his superintendency along with the importance of the SBO relationship.

Damien L. Butler, Educational Coach, and Founder of Manifest One Consulting, discusses the barriers to building future educational leadership, the importance of mentorship, effective mentorship, and how to approach and find a mentor.

Jason Willis, Senior Policy Advisor for WestEd, talks about the role of financial literacy in leadership, key conditions for building trust, feedback mechanisms, effective strategies for financial transparency, lessons learned and much more.

Shy Chapman, Director of Fiscal Services with South Umpqua, and Whitney DeWolf, Business Manager with Crater Lake Academy, discuss their personal journeys, their experience in ASBO International’s Emerging Leaders program and key takaways from the Annual Conference and Expo for aspiring SBOs.

ASBO International Board member, Melissa Fettkether, Director of Finance at Postville CSD in Iowa, breaks down how to build trust with all stakeholders and how to leverage innovations while navigating school finance and leadership.

From prepping your staff to a establishing a partnership, Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, Howie Barber, CPA, SFO, MCPPO, masterfully expounds on how to navigate your audit.

Timothy Lamotte, Audit Associate at Pauly, Rogers & Co, offers a deeper understanding of the auditor’s role, common misunderstandings, and strategies for setting the tone with effective communication and engagement to yield a positive experience.

Sarah Enfield, CFO of the Waukee Community School District, speaks to the importance of listening in leadership, by networking, engaging, actioning, and using community feedback for challenging decision-making.

Ron O’Connor, Assistant Superintendent for Business/HR at Westmont CUSD 201, discusses the importance of establishing relationships, and how to build trust through transparency of financial audits by connecting numbers to narratives.

Bob Saul, Business Administrator/Treasurer at East Penn, is one the latest Eagle award recipients. His story speaks to why he was more than deserving of being bestowed such an honor.

Dr. Brian Savage, School Business Administrator in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, pulls off two major awards this year! The Pinnacle of Excellence Award & Distinguished Service Award.

James (JJ) Stanis, Owner of JJ Stanis & Co, a full service admin/broker of insurances, talks about the challenges in employee benefits, compliance, and cost control strategies.

AJ Crabill, Director of Governance with the Council of Great City Schools, discusses the cost benefits of student-led restorative practices, the role of SBOs in education, and aligning resources for activity driven goals to lead towards successful outcomes.

Brandi LaVarnway, Director of Accounting at Chimera Integrations, speaks to the importance of integrated systems, some industry challenges, and why you should take a unique approach to security solutions with the emergence of technologies.

Tricia Schock, CFO of the NCESD in Washington, elaborates on how SBOs can employ AI for budgeting, forecasting, training and a plethora of other daily uses.

Sarah Foster, School Medicaid Program Manager, NW Regional ESD, covers the costs of physical, mental, and behavioral health services through Medicaid for schools, along with strategies to streamline billings and minimize the challenges presented towards optimizing them.

Directors, Emily Lewis & Jess Vento, from Lease Crunch discuss how they work with school districts nationwide on their GASB 87 & 96 compliance, the role of automation and its impact on reporting, and future company innovations like Document Interrogation.

Dr. Sam Mormando, Directory of Technology, Garnet Valley SD, and Founder of Edvative Learning, discusses strategic implementation, predictive analytics, and ethical considerations for AI in schools.

Joe Annotti, SVP for TRC, discusses clean transportation solutions, seregulation, funding strategies along with challenges and insights.

Joshua Peach, Inspirational Speaker, Podcaster and Author of “Be Au Sm”, speaks about the unsung heroes of education, life’s impact and challenges, and how you should utilize G.R.A.C.E. on your journey of personal growth.

Renowned Financial Aid Consultant, Howard Freeman, speaks to the intangibles surrounding financial aid, it’s affordability, the questions you should be asking, and some of strategies you should be making from his book “Making College Happen”.

Dr. Marguerite Roza, Research Professor and Director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, elaborates on how districts should reduce their labor costs because of declining enrollment, and why it is more important now than ever to eradicate outdated CBAs with seniority, LIFO, etc — and really rethink those viable reduction strategies to help supersize academic growth and not shrink it.

Listen in to special live audio from ASBO International’s Leadership Forum, along with a recap of conference highlights such as EQ and strategies for leadership.

Jason Hiruo, Director of ACES International (Advocacy Commitment Excellence Service), discusses AESA and it’s global impact, the challenges of implementing vocational training programs, and international collaborations.

Jeff Melendez, Founder & CEO of Zeal Ed Group, breaks down the true key component to student performance and provides awareness surrounding what we need to do to keep our schools safe in today’s world.

Brett Carruthers, NYSIR Director of Risk Management, talks about evolving risk assessment methodologies, the impact of climate change, the role of technology, current threats to school districts, and the future of risk management.

Dr. Susan Enfield, former Washington State Superintendent of the Year and National Superintendent of the Year, and now Executive Director of the Network of Distinguished Educators, discusses trends in school district communications, strategies with technology and financial literacy, and overall how to enhance collaboration.

Aaron Huff, Principal of Bosse HS in Evansville, Indiana, speaks to his three prong approach to working with all stakeholders involved in schools.

Dr. Tracy Baynes, Founder and President of STEP: Student Expedition Program in Arizona, speaks to her work towards transforming college access and the importance of investing in public education for the future of our youth.

A brief recap of the year and what’s in store ahead with the New Year!

Kelsey Soltysiak, Communications Director with the NWRESD, speaks to innovations in communication, navigating digital challenges, and fostering collaboration while building connections.

Charles M. Russo, Ph.D., 3CI, 3CIA, experienced academic leader and expert on school safety, discusses how schools can stay ahead of emerging risks and best prepare themselves through technology and policy implementation.

In this special episode, Mark Velez, Production Manager with Tyler Technologies, shares how their system capabilities can improve user experience, integrate with other platforms, and efficiently enhance your business operations.

Nathan Roedel, SFO, SNS, Executive Director of Nutrition Services/OCNC of the Hillsboro School District, innovative meals, challenges and adapting your child nutrition program. 

Sharie Lewis, CPA, Director of Business Services & Operations, at the Parkrose School District in Oregon, provides her post-election perspective on potential future updates to education.

Dr. Stevie Dawn Carter, Extraordinary Leadership Coach, discusses delegation, relationships, EI, diversity and other key lessons to overcome imposter syndrome, setbacks, and many other challenges of leadership.

Nationally recognized Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools in Kansas, Dr. Tiffany Anderson, delivers a powerful message for all from her book, “Building Parent Capacity”.

Paige Johnson, Microsoft VP of Education, and industry expert, discusses the current professional norms and intricacies of AI utilization in the office as well as the classroom.

2024 National Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman, speaks to her passion as an ESL teacher in rural Tennessee, and reminds us all of why we do what we do as SBOs.

Freshly annointed Eagle Award winner, Mary Ellen Normen, newly retired SBO from Massachusetts and now consultant, discusses AI, how to market for hiring and to be in the know.

Have you ever considered working for a school district? Listen to Eagle award winner & Fulton County Schools CFO, Marvin Dereef’s “Reef Theory”, and become a part of the next generation of leaders.