Tammi Cowell

I attribute my success to perseverance, continuous learning, and the opportunities I was given early in my career to grow both professionally and academically. After beginning my career at Tri-Rivers shortly after high school and balancing early motherhood, I was supported in earning my associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as my school treasurer’s license, which led to a 38-year career in education and 20 years in school finance leadership. In my role as Treasurer/CFO, I oversee all district financial operations, including budgeting, payroll, HR functions, investments, compliance, onboarding, benefits administration, and reporting to the Board of Education, ensuring resources are aligned to support student and staff success. I take pride in leading major expansion projects through strategic financial planning, including managing grant funding, bond financing, and facility development such as a CDL Training Center and expanded adult education programs, while guiding $5.5 million in general fund investments all achieved without additional tax levies, reflecting my commitment to responsible stewardship and long-term educational impact.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is the importance of building strong relationships, staying engaged in your profession, and leading with integrity in every situation. Early in my career, I was fortunate to be mentored by individuals who emphasized professionalism, confidence, and the value of connecting with others in meaningful ways. One mentor, in particular, taught me how to carry myself with confidence, especially in environments where I was often the only woman at the table, and how effective communication and relationship-building can open doors and create lasting impact. I also learned from leaders in school finance the importance of being actively involved in professional organizations, continuously learning, and giving back through mentoring and collaboration with peers. Above all, my mother has been my greatest influence, teaching me through her example the values of hard work, faith, perseverance, and service to others. Her strength as a single parent and her commitment to helping others shaped my character and leadership style. Together, these lessons have guided me to lead with purpose, stay connected to my profession, and always focus on lifting others as I grow.

My advice to young women entering the school finance and treasury field is to take time to truly understand the profession before committing to it by speaking with people already in the field, learning what the day-to-day work involves, and being honest about whether the responsibilities align with your interests and strengths. I began my own journey by working in a school setting, getting to know our treasurer, and gaining a realistic understanding of the role, which helped guide my career path and education, including the required business degree and licensure. I also strongly encourage seeking out mentors early and staying connected to professional organizations such as OASBO, Women in Public Finance, and the Government Finance Officers Association, which provide valuable networking, learning, and career development opportunities. Most importantly, I believe in giving back by mentoring others and supporting the next generation of professionals, as lifting others while growing your own career is one of the most meaningful parts of this field.

The biggest challenges in my field right now include navigating the constantly changing landscape of public education finance, including shifting state and federal regulations, economic conditions, and funding structures that require continuous monitoring and strategic planning. As a school treasurer and CFO, I am responsible for maintaining financial stability while ensuring our district has the resources needed to support students, staff, and programs, which often requires balancing fiscal responsibility with growing educational and operational demands. Early in my career, another challenge was working in leadership environments where women were often underrepresented, which pushed me to build confidence, strengthen my communication skills, and establish my voice in high-level financial and decision-making spaces. At the same time, these challenges have created meaningful opportunities, including leadership roles within my district and professional organizations such as OASBO, where I collaborate with peers, contribute to policy discussions, and support emerging leaders in the field. One of the most rewarding opportunities has been leading major district expansion projects through strategic financial planning, allowing us to invest in new facilities, career programs, and adult education initiatives without additional tax levies, and overall I see these challenges and opportunities as closely connected, as both have strengthened my leadership and deepened my commitment to mentoring others and serving my community.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, integrity, compassion, and responsibility. I believe strongly in using my skills and leadership to give back to the community, whether through my role in education finance or through volunteer work that supports children, families, women, and seniors. Integrity is the foundation of everything I do, ensuring that financial decisions and community involvement are guided by honesty, transparency, and accountability. Compassion and service are equally important to me, as I am committed to understanding the needs of others and finding meaningful ways to make a positive impact, whether that is through supporting students and staff in education or volunteering with organizations such as the Junior Service Guild of Marion and 100 Women Who Care. I also value responsibility, particularly in being a good steward of resources—both in managing public funds and in contributing time and effort to initiatives that strengthen the community. Ultimately, these values guide how I lead, how I serve, and how I show up for others in all areas of my life.