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
2021.06 - 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
2018.08 - 2021.06
- 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
2016.08 - 2018.07
- 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
2021.06 - Current
Chief Financial Officer
Twiggs County Schools
2018.08 - 2021.06
Chief Financial Officer
Macon County Schools
2016.08 - 2018.07
Master of Educational Leadership -
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Bachelor of Arts in Finance -
Morehouse College
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