James Austin
Macon,GA
Summary
Award-winning executive with a proven track record of driving financial and operational excellence in educational settings. As a forward-thinking leader with expertise in scaling organizational impact, I have successfully managed multi-million-dollar budgets, spearheaded strategic initiatives, and optimized resource allocation to improve educational outcomes. My mission is to leverage my extensive experience in education finance and operations to establish a global network of public charter schools, impacting over 100,000 students within the next 15 years.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
Twiggs County Public Schools
Jeffersonville, GA
06.2021 - Current
- Spearheaded a $3.4 million general obligation bond issuance, directly contributing to the district’s financial stability and capacity to enhance facilities.
- Authored and implemented a classified staff evaluation instrument, improving staff performance metrics by 15%.
- Leads a team of 61 employees across various departments including Finance, HR, Transportation, Operations and Facilities, improved operational efficiency by 18%.
- Conducted salary studies and adjusted pay scales, reducing turnover by 25% in high-need areas.
- Spearheaded the development of a $1.25 million athletic facility and a $650,000 School-Based Health Clinic, enhancing student health and extracurricular engagement
- Enhances budget transparency and accountability, earning the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Georgia Finance Officers Association for the FY 2023 and FY 2024 Budget.
- Leading implementation an integrated ERP system for Finance, HR, and Transportation, modernizing all business and operations processes across the district, and improving time efficiency by 12%.
Chief Financial Officer
Twiggs County Schools
Jeffersonville, GA
08.2018 - 06.2021
- Implemented cost-saving measures that reduced overall expenses by 12% while maintaining high standards of service and educational outcomes.
- Achieved two consecutive clean audits for the first time in the company’s 15-year financial history, demonstrating rigorous financial oversight and adherence to best practices.
- Managed risk effectively through comprehensive insurance coverage review and implementation of robust internal controls.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to establish budgetary guidelines and allocate resources efficiently across the organization.
- Championed effective communication between finance personnel and other departments to facilitate cross-functional collaboration on projects and initiatives.
- Established strong relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, analysts, and regulatory agencies to promote transparency and build trust in the organization''s financial management.
Chief Financial Officer
Macon County Schools
Oglethorpe, GA
08.2016 - 07.2018
- Directed fiscal management for a $20 million capital project, including construction and debt financing, achieving project completion within budget and on time.
- Led the district to eliminate the need for short-term borrowing through strategic financial planning, resulting in a significant reduction in interest costs.
- Tracked cash flow and financial planning to analyze company's financial strengths and weaknesses and propose strategic directions.
- Managed the district’s financial assets, leading to the successful issuance of $6 million in General Obligation Bonds with an Aa2 Moody’s rating.
- Directed budget development, creation of budgetary controls and recordkeeping systems and investment management.
Education
Master of Educational Leadership -
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Cambridge, MA05.2025
Bachelor of Arts in Finance -
Morehouse College
Atlanta, GA05.2016
Skills
- Policy Implementation
- Ethical Leadership
- Budgeting and Finance Management
- Construction management
- Transportation Optimization
- Audit Coordination
- Debt management
Affiliations
- Black Caucus of the Government Finance Officers Association
- Government Finance Officers Association
- Georgia School Superintendent Association
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (President of local chapter)
- AASA, The School Superintendent Association
Accomplishments
- 2022 Outstanding School Business Official, Georgia Association for School Business Officials (GASBO)
- Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, Georgia Finance Officers Association for Fiscal Year 2023, 2024
- Rural Education Cohort participant, American Association of School Administrators
- Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
- Completion of the District Office Professional Development Program, Georgia
- Georgia Association for Personnel Administrators (GASPA) Gold Award of Excellence for Best in Class in the area of Retention Practices
- AASA, Urban Superintendent Academy (September 2024- May 2025)
Presentations
- Southeastern Association of School Business Officials Presenter, Topic: Check Your Footing: Can Your General Funds Survive After ESSER
- State Presenter at the Georgia Association for School Business Officials, Topic: Can your General Funds Survive After ESSER
- State Presenter at Georgia Association of School Personnel Administrators, Topic: The Bridge Between HR and Finance
Certifications
- Tier I Leadership Certification
- Coaching Endorsement for Leaders
- Certified Crucial Conversations Trainer
- Harvard Business School Online Certificate in School Management and Leadership (October 2024- December 2024)
Timeline
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
Twiggs County Public Schools
06.2021 - Current
Chief Financial Officer
Twiggs County Schools
08.2018 - 06.2021
Chief Financial Officer
Macon County Schools
08.2016 - 07.2018
Master of Educational Leadership -
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Bachelor of Arts in Finance -
Morehouse College