Karen Smith, RTSBA, CPA, CIA | ASBO Board Candidate

Karen Smith: Committed to Excellence

A Distinguished Eagle Award Recipient and Past President of Texas ASBO, Karen Smith exemplifies the best in the school business profession. Currently the Chief Financial Officer for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, the third-largest school district in Texas with more than 118,000 students, Karen seeks to leverage her experience on the ASBO International Board of Directors.

Experience That Matters

Karen has a unique depth and range of experience, leading a district that transformed from a rural community to a fast-growth, suburban district.

With 30 years in the profession, Karen has experience in accounting & finance, internal audit, risk management, child nutrition, and technology. Her district received the state's highest financial accountability rating in the most recent year, in addition to receiving ASBO's 2020 Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, and the 2022 TASBO Award of Excellence in Financial Management.

Karen has also been very involved in ASBO International where she has served as a member and vice chair on ASBO’s Legislative Advisory Committee, advocated at the U.S. Capitol, presented sessions at the annual conference, developed webinars, and assisted with a crowdfunding toolkit.

Karen is an engaged member of the Texas ASBO affiliate, serving as its board president in 2016. She has written curriculum, presented at conferences and webinars, mentored new business managers, participated in various committees, and continues to be a a highly respected leader. Most recently, she led sessions and webinars on ESSER planning, compliance, and communication.

Respected By Her Peers

In 2020, Karen Smith received the TASBO Commitment to Excellence Award, the highest individual honor given to members. The videos below highlight what Karen's colleagues have to say about working with her...