FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Molly Barrie
866.682.2729 x7075
[email protected]
ASBO International Awards District Leaders Highest Honor in Profession
Reston, VA – July 10, 2018 – The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2018 Eagle Awards, which recognize school business leaders for their exemplary achievements and are the highest honor in the school business profession.
ASBO International’s 2018 International Eagle Award recipient is John Hutchison, CPA, MBA, SFO, deputy superintendent for business and operations for Olathe Public Schools, Olathe, KS. Throughout his 25-year career in school business, Hutchison has kept student learning at the forefront, using innovative approaches to ensure resources are funneled into the classroom. He is held in high regard by his colleagues and the community, in large part because of his ability to bring dissimilar groups together to find equitable solutions under challenging circumstances. As a respected leader at the state level, Hutchison has worked hard to ensure the needs of schools and their students are met. He will receive a $5,000 college scholarship to present to a high school student of his choice.
ASBO International is also pleased to announce three Distinguished Eagle Award recipients, who will each receive a $2,500 college scholarship to present to a high school student:
Patricia Bedborough, CPA, MBA, SFO, chief financial officer for Parkway School District, Chesterfield, MO. Bedborough brings to the district not only strong school business acumen, but also a deep commitment to Parkway’s mission to ensure all students are capable, confident learners who can succeed in an ever-changing world. Recognizing that the district’s mission requires efficient use of resources, Bedborough developed a zero-based budgeting process and reorganized portions of district operations. She also has led, among other projects, sustainability efforts, a sports marketing initiative, establishment of new community partnerships and near-site clinics for staff. With more than 15 years in school business, she is a recognized leader among her peers regionally and statewide.
Robert F. Moore Jr., MBA, deputy superintendent of finance and operations for Oakland Schools, Waterford, MI. A respected leader with more than 30 years as a chief financial officer, Moore’s commitment to education led him to initiate the framework for the School Finance Research Collaborative, an initiative to improve the education funding system in Michigan. The ultimate goal is to support sweeping school finance reforms that address weaknesses in Michigan’s outdated school funding system. Moore was appointed director for the project in July 2016 and has worked tirelessly to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the funding necessary for all students to achieve state standards. He is known for his common sense, infused with innovation.
Kelly Penny, RTSBA, MBA, chief financial officer for Coppell (TX) Independent School District. During her 11 years as CFO for Coppell ISD, Penny has seen firsthand the importance of maintaining a high level of commitment to financial integrity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in public education. Thanks to her solid leadership, the district’s school finance team is regularly recognized for professionalism and accuracy. Penny is a master at presenting a clear and open picture of the district finances to the public and, as a result, is a trusted, visionary leader in the community. In fact, in large part because of her leadership and connection to the community, the district recently passed a $249 million bond.
“Leadership, achievement, and commitment are just a few of the outstanding qualities our Eagle recipients possess,” says ASBO International Executive Director John Musso. “I am proud of these remarkable individuals for using their talents to ensure all students have the resources they need to succeed!”
The Eagle Awards are sponsored by ASBO International Strategic Partner, AXA. “AXA is grateful for the opportunity ASBO International has given us to honor and celebrate the 2018 Eagle Award winners,” according to Fred Makonnen, AXA Divisional Vice President, Head of Retail 403(b) Sales & Strategic Partnerships. “These awards are a reminder that all of us have a responsibility to make meaningful contributions within our respective communities. The 2018 winners embody these principles through their dedication, action, and leadership.”
All award recipients will be formally recognized at ASBO International’s 2018 Annual Meeting & Expo, September 21–24, in Kissimmee, FL.
Learn more about the ASBO International Eagle Awards at asbointl.org/Eagle.
For more information about ASBO International’s Annual Meeting & Expo, visit asbointl.org/AnnualMeeting.
# # #
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.