Eliana A Cruz, Finance Leader on Influential Women
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Influential Woman · Water Utility / Government

Eliana A Cruz

Finance Leader, Lehigh County Authority

Wescosville, PA 18106

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree DeSales University- B.S. Cert Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Her Story

About Eliana

Eliana Cruz is a finance leader based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with nearly 20 years of experience in accounting, controllership, and financial operations across manufacturing, government, and nonprofit sectors. She currently serves in a finance leadership role at Lehigh County Authority, where she works closely with executive leadership to support financial decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen systems and processes. A graduate of DeSales University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, she is also bilingual in English and Spanish and brings a strong foundation in both technical accounting and cross-functional communication. Throughout her career, Eliana has held progressive roles including Financial Controller, Finance Manager, and Senior Financial Analyst at organizations such as Coesia S.p.A. – Flexlink, HYDAC Technology Corp, and the Bethlehem Parking Authority. She is known for her expertise in financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, and process improvement, often partnering with auditors, corporate teams, and operational leaders to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Her work consistently focuses on strengthening financial systems, safeguarding organizational assets, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and performance improvement. Beyond her technical expertise, Eliana is recognized for her leadership style centered on empathy, inclusion, and mentorship. She prioritizes training and knowledge-sharing within her teams, helping employees feel valued and empowered to contribute ideas. In addition to her professional work, she has engaged in community and professional development efforts, including speaking and mentoring through local organizations. Her career reflects a commitment not only to financial excellence, but also to building supportive, collaborative environments where people and organizations can grow together.

As a finance leader  at the Lehigh County Authority, she represents a consistent and intentional career path toward executive leadership—built on performance, adaptability, and purpose.

With over 22 years of experience in accounting and finance, her journey spans both global manufacturing and the public sector. Across every role, she has demonstrated a clear pattern: strengthening financial operations, leading process improvements, and partnering with leadership to drive results. This consistency has positioned her not only as a trusted financial expert, but as a strategic leader preparing for the next level.

Her foundation in high-performance manufacturing environments sharpened her focus on efficiency, accuracy, and accountability. Today, she applies that same discipline in public service—ensuring financial integrity while advancing awareness of vital natural resources like water.

Known for leading cross-functional initiatives and thriving in complex environments, she connects operational excellence with long-term vision. Each step in her career reflects forward momentum—building the skills, perspective, and leadership presence required for executive impact.

Her path is not accidental—it is deliberate. A journey defined by growth, resilience, and a commitment to leading with both strategy and purpose.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Eliana

01What do you attribute your success to?

II am proud of every experience that has shaped my journey because each challenge and mistake has become an opportunity for growth. When something does not go as planned, I take time to reflect, understand why it happened, and identify what can be improved to create stronger outcomes moving forward.


This mindset has helped me maintain perspective on the bigger picture while continuously improving both professionally and personally. I believe growth comes from constant learning, staying self-aware, and being open to learning from others every day.


What truly sets a person apart is not only their professional achievements, but also the values they apply in every aspect of life. I strive to lead with integrity, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement in everything I do


02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Never give up on yourself. Believe in your ability to figure things out, stay focused, and keep learning and growing. Sometimes life won’t make sense looking forward, but looking back, every challenge becomes a lesson. Stay humble, stay hungry for knowledge, and live each day with purpose and intention.


03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering the industry is to stay focused on your goals, take small and consistent steps each day, never stop learning, and use every experience—especially the challenging ones—as an opportunity to grow, help others, and build resilience.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenges in the field right now are legacy system limitations and process gaps, but these also present a strong opportunity to modernize operations by streamlining systems, strengthening cash management, and improving the integration between finance and operations for more efficient, community-focused service delivery.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

My main goal when I come to work is being a resource to others, and if someone is not feeling good, just spot that right away and be an influence of being positive. I focus on the little things and being grateful, which really puts a whole different perspective in your life. You just see things different, and then you know that we need to make a difference every day on little things. It can be a little thing, and you're like, oh wow, that actually makes me feel better for today, and you don't know what that other person is going through. I recently lost my mom in November, and having to rely on the little things and be grateful really puts a whole different perspective in your life.

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