Elaine Cogburn
Austin,TX
Summary
Accomplished financial executive with 30+ years of progressive leadership overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets, strategic planning, revenue forecasting, and risk management. Combines deep expertise in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) with proven success in optimizing operations, improving transparency, and guiding boards and executive teams through complex decisions. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Licensed Insurance Agent, bringing a rare blend of fiscal stewardship and insurance program management. Recognized for building high-performing teams, driving major ERP and system conversions, and achieving multiple credit rating upgrades.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Superintendent
Dripping Springs Independent School District
09.2022 - Current
- Led district back to financial stability, receiving “clean” audits after three consecutive years of findings and returning to a state accountability rating of “A” from “C”
- Led a community committee through long-range facility planning and led bond steering committee through bond development
- Led a community committee to investigate a 50% vacancy rate in bus drivers and returned the district to 100% fill rate
- Created and presented an annual series of educational sessions for the community to provide clarity around school finance and operations.
- Developed and passed two bond elections ($223.7 ml and $402.3 ml) with the highest approval rating by the community in district history
- Hired, trained and mentored a new CFO and new COO
- Provide oversight to the Facilities Department and construction projects
Chief Financial Officer
Leander Independent School District
11.2019 - 08.2022
- Led all financial operations for a $444M organization with 45 campuses and 43,000+ students.
- Designed and implemented a five-year financial forecast, guiding Board and executive decisions.
- Completed ERP finance/payroll module conversion, rescuing a stalled multi-year project.
- led Board through adoption of fund balance policy and parameters around adoption of a deficit budget.
- Delivered credit rating upgrades through strong fiscal discipline and capital planning.
- Developed and passed tax restructuring plan reducing rate by $0.06 while maintaining funding.
- Introduced transparent financial reporting and improved budget development processes.
- Revamped bond fund reporting providing more transparency around remaining balances and uses.
- Directed fiscal year change to improve cash flow alignment and audit efficiency.
Executive Director, Financial Services
Plano ISD
12.2018 - 11.2019
- Managed $755M budget, overseeing compliance, payroll, grants, and investments.
- Implemented House Bill 3 compensation and funding changes with precise cost modeling.
- Built equitable campus funding formula improving resource allocation.
- Deployed districtwide electronic time-keeping system, reducing errors and labor costs.
Assistant Superintendent, Finance & Operations
Dripping Springs ISD
08.2013 - 12.2018
- Directed financial planning, risk management, and capital projects for a $68M operating budget.
- Created Board policy around fund balance levels and deficit budget adoptions.
- Developed and passed tax restructuring plan for all 13 cents to increase funding with no increase to the total tax rate.
- Developed and managed $224M in voter-approved bonds, ensuring on-time, on-budget construction.
- Designed employee health programs with HSAs and HRAs to reduce long-term costs.
- Increased investment returns by revamping portfolio strategy.
- Created operating procedures for financial services and parent organizations.
- Implemented credit card program.
Associate Superintendent, Business & Finance
Mansfield ISD
04.2012 - 08.2013
Chief Financial Officer
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
08.2010 - 03.2012
Manager, Accounting Services
Dallas ISD
05.2009 - 08.2010
Chief Financial Officer
Frenship ISD
06.1999 - 05.2009
Grants Accountant
Lubbock ISD
07.1995 - 06.1999
Education
MSA - Accounting
Texas Tech University
12-1993
BBA - Accounting
Texas Tech University
12-1993
AAS - Accounting
South Plains College
05-1989
Skills
- Strategic Financial Planning & Forecasting
- Budget Development & Optimization
- Risk Management & Insurance Programs (Property, Health, Life)
- ERP Implementations & Process Automation
- Bond Planning, Debt Structuring & Capital Financing
- Board & Executive Advisory Policy Development
- Investment Portfolio Management
- Transparent Reporting & Compliance
Affiliations
- Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO): Past President, Board Member, Mentor, Course Instructor, Budget & Financial Planning Manual Author
- TexasTERM Advisory Board: Member (2020–Present)
- Texas Women in Public Finance: Executive Council Member
- Finalist – Commitment to Excellence Award (2016–2017)
- Multiple financial rating upgrades and fund balance increases under leadership
Certification
- Certified Public Accountant (Texas)
- Registered Texas School Business Administrator (RTSBA)
- Licensed Insurance Agent – Property, Health, Life (Texas)
Timeline
Deputy Superintendent
Dripping Springs Independent School District
09.2022 - Current
Chief Financial Officer
Leander Independent School District
11.2019 - 08.2022
Executive Director, Financial Services
Plano ISD
12.2018 - 11.2019
Assistant Superintendent, Finance & Operations
Dripping Springs ISD
08.2013 - 12.2018
Associate Superintendent, Business & Finance
Mansfield ISD
04.2012 - 08.2013
Chief Financial Officer
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
08.2010 - 03.2012
Manager, Accounting Services
Dallas ISD
05.2009 - 08.2010
Chief Financial Officer
Frenship ISD
06.1999 - 05.2009
Grants Accountant
Lubbock ISD
07.1995 - 06.1999
MSA - Accounting
Texas Tech University
BBA - Accounting
Texas Tech University
AAS - Accounting
South Plains College