Janet Brown, CPA
Janet Brown, CPA, is the Chief Financial Officer at Space Center Houston, bringing over three decades of expertise in financial leadership across nonprofit, education, and corporate sectors. With a career rooted in accounting and strategic financial management, she has guided organizations through complex fiscal landscapes, specializing in corporate finance, nonprofit management, and debt restructuring. Janet’s leadership is defined by her ability to balance rigorous financial oversight with mission-driven objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Throughout her career, Janet has held key leadership roles, including Vice President of Finance and Director of Finance at Space Center Houston, and board positions with the Clear Creek Education Foundation and the Ballunar Liftoff Festival. She is also a Past Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she contributed to advancing civic engagement and community impact. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to building strong, values-driven organizations that create lasting community benefits.
Janet’s educational foundation includes a BBA in Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin, completion of the Leadership Institute for Non-Profit Executives at Rice University, and recognition as a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum. Named one of Houston’s 2025 CFOs of the Year by the Houston Business Journal, Janet continues to inspire through mentorship, volunteer leadership, and her dedication to fostering financial and organizational excellence in the nonprofit and educational sectors.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• LINE Program - Rice University (wrote all board policies)
• The University of Texas at Austin – BBA, Accounting
• Leadership Texas – Leadership Program
• Rice University – Leadership Institute for Non-Profit Executives, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management, Graduated with Distinction
• American Leadership Forum – Senior Fellow
• Selected for CFO Award of the Year by Houston Journal in May 2025
• Honored as Distinguished Alumni of School District 2018
• Named one of Houston’s 2025 CFOs of the Year by Houston Business Journal
• Leadership Texas
• American Leadership Forum
• Alumni Association for School District
• Daughters of the American Revolution
• Clear Creek Education Foundation
• Ballunar Liftoff Festival
• Active in nonprofit boards and educational foundations
• Leadership roles in community and historical organizations
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a conservative and disciplined approach to financial and organizational management, which has allowed me to make thoughtful, sustainable decisions throughout my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to choose a path that honors family first, ensuring that professional ambitions are balanced with personal priorities and meaningful relationships.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this field to remain steadfast in their code of ethics. Upholding integrity and professionalism is essential for long-term credibility and impact.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is finding the right balance when making complex decisions that affect both organizational goals and the people we serve.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and kindness are the values that guide me in both my professional and personal life. I strive to lead with integrity and treat others with respect and compassion.