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Contact: Molly Barrie
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ASBO International Awards District Leaders Highest Honor in Profession
Reston, VA – August 11, 2017 – The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is proud to announce recipients of the 2017 Eagle Awards, which recognize school business professionals for their exemplary leadership and dedication to students. The Eagle Awards are the highest honor in school business and celebrate visionary K–12 leaders who have improved student achievement and enriched their communities.
ASBO International’s 2017 International Eagle Award winner is Deborah F. Frazier, CPA, CGMA, SFO, (recently retired) assistant superintendent and chief finance officer for Madison County Schools in Richmond, KY. Although Frazier began her career in public accounting, she found her passion as a school business official. Committed to making a difference in the lives of children, Frazier and her finance team have served as reading and lunch buddies at their district’s elementary schools and coordinated special events for their special needs students. Recognized as a state and national leader in school district finance, Frazier was the first in Kentucky to earn ASBO International’s Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations® (SFO®). She will
receive a $5,000 college scholarship to present to a high school student of her choice.
ASBO International is also excited to announce three Distinguished Eagle Award winners, who will each receive a $2,500 college scholarship to present to a high school student. ASBO International’s 2017 Distinguished Eagle Award winners are:
David S. Cline, MBA, associate superintendent for finance and support services for Prince William County Public Schools in Manassas, VA. While overseeing finance and support services for a 90,000+ student school system may seem daunting, Cline has successfully guided his district using resourcefulness, flexibility, and innovative thinking. Among other accomplishments in his nine-year tenure, Cline opened a new school every year on time and within budget; implemented GPS on school buses to improve parent communication; and launched grab-and-go and second-chance breakfast programs to address student nutritional needs. Cline has been recognized as a committed leader who maximizes resources so teachers can teach and students can learn.
LaShahn Gaines, CPA, CPM, VSBO, chief financial officer for Spotsylvania County Public Schools in Fredericksburg, VA. Gaines is a visionary leader who prioritizes providing exceptional financial management practices and resources to support instruction and achievement for all students. She recognizes how important it is to know what’s happening in all of her district’s schools, and regularly joins monthly principal meetings to provide feedback on budgetary initiatives and find out how she can support school improvement goals. Gaines also created a Bookkeeper’s Academy Leadership Program to provide professional development for support staff, including bookkeepers, payroll secretaries, and office registrars.
Ron Orr, CPA, SFO, chief financial officer for Pattonville School District in St. Ann, MO. Orr has led his school district in implementing a number of improvements and innovations to ensure the district’s financial stability, save millions of dollars, and uphold the district’s emphasis on being good stewards of community resources. Orr helped reorganize food services to increase net income and provide healthier food offerings for his students while reducing the budget by $10 million without dramatically affecting services. He ensures all decisions support the district’s goal that every student graduates college and career ready.
“I am especially proud to recognize these individuals whose dedication to education has benefitted so many,” says ASBO International Executive Director John Musso. “Their commitment to ensuring all students have the resources they need is an inspiration to our profession.” All recipients will be formally awarded at ASBO International’s 2017 Annual Meeting & Expo, September 22–25, in Denver, CO.
The Eagle Awards are sponsored by ASBO International Strategic Partner, AXA. Learn more about the Eagle Awards at asbointl.org/Eagle.
For more information about ASBO International’s Annual Meeting & Expo, visit asbointl.org/AnnualMeeting.
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About ASBO International
Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is a nonprofit organization that, through its members and affiliates, represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International is committed to providing programs, services, and a global network that promote the highest standards in school business. Its members support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation. Learn more at asbointl.org.
About AXA
Proud sponsor of the Eagle Awards for over a decade and in business since 1859, AXA is a leading nationwide provider of retirement plan products and services, particularly to K-12 educators. AXA understands the challenges in preparing for retirement and the company is committed to helping individuals through every stage of life. Whether clients are beginning their career, changing jobs, or nearing retirement, they can count on AXA to be their retirement planning partner.
“AXA” is a brand name of AXA Equitable Financial Services, LLC and its family of companies, including AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (NY, NY), MONY Life Insurance Company of
America (AZ stock company, administrative office: Jersey City, NJ), AXA Advisors, LLC, and AXA Distributors, LLC. In business since 1859, AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company is a leading financial protection company and one of the nation’s premier providers of life insurance and annuity products distributed to individuals and business owners through its retail distribution channel, AXA Advisors, LLC (member FINRA, SIPC) and to the financial services market through its wholesale distribution channel, AXA Distributors, LLC (member FINRA, SIPC). AXA S.A. (also referred to as “AXA Group”) is a Paris-headquartered holding company for a group of international insurance and financial services companies, including AXA Equitable Financial Services, LLC companies. AXA S.A. is a worldwide leader in financial protection strategies and wealth management with 103 million clients in 64 countries. AXA S.A. has been ranked the No. 1 insurance brand in the world by Interbrand for eight consecutive years as of Oct. 5, 2016. The obligations of AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company and MONY Life Insurance Company of America are backed solely by their claims-paying ability.