SBO Perspectives

Stephen O’Brien, Founder and President of SOBx2, discusses food service program challenges, sustainability, declining enrollments, supply chain issues, and regulations impacting the future of school nutrition.

Martin Romine, CFO of Zuni School District in New Mexico, discusses his leadership style, financial challenges in rural districts, and building relations/engagement that led to a major accomplishment in his career regarding Impact Aid.

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.