Title: Chief Financial Officer
School: Fountain Valley School of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Years in current position: 5
Years in an independent school business office: 17
Superpower: School turnaround – inherited a balance sheet with 7 to 9 percent annual endowment draw upon arrival but reduced draw to 5.5 percent in one year and quickly turned operations around by instituting a net tuition revenue model, improving financial aid practices and developing checks and balances, all resulting in a clean audit. “Janet effectively saved Fountain Valley School, and we are now poised for great success as a result of her great work.”
Other duties as assigned: Operates as de facto assistant head of school, allowing head to travel frequently with peace of mind; also serves as a boarding school “administrator on duty.”
Origin story: Grew up on a farm in Iowa; coworkers see her as dedicated – “Her work ethic is second to none” and unassuming – “She makes me look good at every possible moment while never asking for accolades herself… Her integrity and character are beyond reproach.”
See a full list of the 2017 recipients and read more about the Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award. NetAssets.org will post additional profiles of Unsung Heroes over the summer and into the fall — check in to learn more about other recipients.
