Carri Brown, PhD, MBA, CGFM
Dr. Carri Brown, PhD, MBA, CGFM, is the elected County Auditor for Fairfield County, Ohio, bringing nearly four decades of experience in government and public service. In her role, she oversees financial reporting for a county with a $230 million budget, manages property tax assessments and appraisals, and supervises licensing and county settlement activities. With a strong foundation in both business and government administration, Carri holds a Bachelor and Master of Business Administration from Ohio University, a PhD in Organization Management from Capella University, and is a Certified Government Financial Manager. Her career spans leadership roles in human services, county administration, and finance, consistently earning recognition for innovation, transparency, and excellence in public service.
Throughout her career, Carri has been a committed advocate for mentorship, particularly for young women seeking to discover and reach their potential. She is widely respected for her ability to guide and empower others, helping them navigate complex professional landscapes. Her dedication extends beyond professional mentorship; she actively serves her community as a former board president of the United Way, a contributor to Destination Downtown Lancaster and the Special Improvement District, and an instructor for reentry programs supporting women returning from the criminal justice system.
Carri’s leadership philosophy centers on transparency, efficiency, and long-term impact, balancing rigorous financial management with a deep commitment to community engagement. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including achievement awards from the National Association of Counties, the Athena Award from the Lancaster Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Floyd Wolf Volunteer Award. Through her work, she continues to champion ethical government practices, community development, and the empowerment of future leaders, building a legacy defined by service, mentorship, and meaningful impact.
• High Performance Leadership Certificate
• Certified Government Financial Manager
• Capella University - PhD
• Excellence in Government Achievement Award
• Outstanding Community Partner Award
• Excellence in Government Leadership Award - 2024,2025
• Excellence in Government Leadership Award
• State Auditor Award with Distinction
• Distinguished Auditor Award
• Floyd Wolfe Community Service Award
• Community's Choice Award - Top Employer/Place to Work
• Jane Johnsen Women of Vision Award
• Alumna of the Year
• Athena Honor
• Child Support Director of the Year
• NACo Achievement Awards
• National Compendium of Best Practices - Child Support
• Association of Government Accountants
• Government Finance Officers Association
• Academy of Management
• Delta Mu Delta
• Destination Downtown Lancaster
• Multi-County Juvenile Detention Board of Trustees
• National Association of Counties
• Ohio Commission on Fatherhood
• Special Improvement District
• United Way of Fairfield County
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, the steadfast support of my family, and a strong network of friends. These pillars have helped me build resilience and navigate both the challenges and opportunities in my personal and professional journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my father-in-law, and it was to have patience. To understand and to gain patience, you have to go through adversity to try to learn lessons through every challenge that you have. As I think back on that advice, it has really shaped how I approach difficulties in my career and helped me grow through the challenges I've faced.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry that every first step—especially the things you don’t yet know—is the beginning of gaining wisdom. Embrace every opportunity, be willing to take chances, and don’t let uncertainty hold you back. That’s where learning and growth truly begin.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is maintaining a high level of efficiency with limited resources, while navigating the complexities of legal and compliance requirements. The work often involves long hours and significant effort, but it’s always rewarding. I’ve learned the importance of giving yourself grace along the way.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are helpfulness, kindness, and a willingness to give of myself to others. I also prioritize long-term thinking over short-term gains, which shapes how I approach my professional responsibilities and personal relationships.