FY24 A.I. Developing High-Performing Teams within the Finance Office
Your finance office staff - whether it's 1 or 100 people - is essential in supporting the rest of the school district educate students. Learn the top qualities of high performing team, their roles, responsibilities, and skill sets, and how you can create a culture of trust, transparency, accountability, and inclusion through the management of your team.
James M. Rowan, CAE, SFO
CEO/Executive Director
ASBO International
Jim Rowan, a steadfast advocate for school business officials, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). With an unwavering commitment he has dedicated himself to improving the lives of the individuals he serves.
Jim's passion for public service traces back to 1987 when, following his service in the U.S. Navy, he embarked on a journey by joining the Auditor of State (AOS). During his five-year tenure at AOS, Jim acquired invaluable experience that would pave the way for his distinguished career. Subsequently, he transitioned into the role of school district CFO/Treasurer, lending his expertise to institutions such as Fairbanks Local, Talawanda, and Fairfield City school districts. His career trajectory brought him to the Hylant Group in 2007, where he assumed the position of Director of School Programs, further expanding his influence and expertise.
In 2010, Jim's dedication to public finance drew him back into the education sector, as he assumed the role of Treasurer/CFO at Princeton City Schools. His contributions extended beyond the school districts, as he concurrently served as the Fiscal Officer for Oxford Township from 2007 to 2016. In 2012, he ascended to the position of CEO/Administrator of Colerain Township, where he provided essential managerial oversight and spearheaded day-to-day operations—a role he fulfilled for nearly five years. In October 2016, Jim was hired as the CEO/Executive Director for the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) where he continued his passion for school business.
Jim's academic foundation is rooted in his undergraduate degree in Accounting from Wilmington College. He has served as the Past President of the Ohio Association of School Business Officials in 2003 and the Association of School Business Officials International in 2007. Jim has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the OASBO Rich Unger Professional Award in 1998, the ASBO International Eagle Award in 2000, and the ASPA Achievement in Innovation in 2014. Additionally, he obtained his SFO from ASBO and CAE from ASAE. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jim treasures his 35-year marriage with his wife JoNell and takes immense pride in his loving family, which includes three children and four grandchildren.