Trish Williams, Chief Financial Officer
Professional Overview
Trish Williams is an accomplished Chief Financial Officer with over 30 years of experience in the education sector. She is known for her strategic financial leadership, data-driven decision making, and commitment to driving operational excellence. Specializing in public school district finance, Trish has a proven track record of improving fiscal responsibility and enhancing resource allocation to support student success.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Financial Officer at Union Public Schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Trish oversees all financial operations and activities for the district. She is responsible for developing and managing the annual budget, analyzing financial data, and implementing cost-saving initiatives. Under her leadership, Union Public Schools has maintained a strong financial position and received multiple awards for excellence in financial reporting.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Trish served as the CFO for Tulsa Public Schools from 2008 to 2016, where she successfully navigated the district through a period of significant budget constraints. Before that, she held the CFO position at Broken Arrow Public Schools from 1998 to 2008 and Richland Community College from 1991 to 1997. Throughout her career, Trish has demonstrated a commitment to improving financial management practices and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to support educational outcomes.
Academic Background
Trish holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Tulsa, where she specialized in finance and accounting. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma State University.
Areas of Expertise
- Public school district finance and administration
- Financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
- Financial reporting and compliance
- Resource allocation and cost-saving initiatives
- Data analysis and performance management
- Strategic decision-making and problem-solving
Professional Impact
Under Trish's leadership, Union Public Schools has consistently received the Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, recognizing the district's commitment to transparency and accountability. Trish has also been an active member of the Oklahoma Association of School Business Officials, serving on the board of directors and contributing to industry initiatives.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience and proven track record of success, Trish Williams is a respected financial leader in the education sector. She is committed to continuous improvement, data-driven decision making, and supporting the academic success of students. Trish's expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative approach make her a valuable asset to Union Public Schools and the broader educational community.
