Lisa Bracken, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Professional Overview

Lisa Bracken is an accomplished finance executive with extensive experience in public sector budgeting and financial management. As the Chief Financial Officer for Atlanta Public Schools, she oversees all financial operations and strategic planning for the district's $1 billion annual budget. With a proven track record of driving operational efficiency and implementing data-driven decision-making, Lisa is a respected leader in the field of public education finance.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As Chief Financial Officer of Atlanta Public Schools, Lisa is responsible for all financial, accounting, and budgeting functions for the district. She leads a team of 50 finance professionals and works closely with the Superintendent and Board of Education to ensure the district's financial stability and long-term sustainability. Under her leadership, Atlanta Public Schools has consistently received clean audit opinions and has implemented several cost-saving initiatives to redirect resources to the classroom.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Lisa served as the Executive Director of Budget at Atlanta Public Schools, where she played a key role in developing the district's $1 billion annual budget and aligning funding priorities with strategic objectives. Before joining Atlanta Public Schools, she was the Director of Budget Services at Fulton County Schools, where she managed the district's $800 million budget and implemented best-in-class budgeting practices.

Academic Background

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Georgia and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She is an active member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), where she serves on various committees and contributes to industry-leading research and publications.

Areas of Expertise

• Public sector budgeting and financial management

• Accounting and financial reporting

• Strategic planning and data-driven decision-making

• Operational efficiency and cost optimization

• Compliance and risk management

• Stakeholder engagement and communication

Professional Impact

Under Lisa's leadership, Atlanta Public Schools has consistently received the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, recognizing the district's commitment to transparent and effective financial management. Additionally, she has played a key role in securing over $50 million in grants and external funding to support critical initiatives, such as the district's technology infrastructure upgrades and teacher professional development programs.

Conclusion

With her deep expertise in public sector finance, strong strategic vision, and proven track record of driving operational improvements, Lisa Bracken is a highly respected leader in the field of education finance. As Chief Financial Officer of Atlanta Public Schools, she continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring the district's financial stability and aligning its resources to support the success of its students and teachers.