July 1, 2024 -- The Columbus Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Cook, MBA, LSSBB, SFO, as the District's new Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Cook brings over 20 years of school finance experience to the role and will oversee the District's fiscal operations in collaboration with the Board. A special meeting was held Monday morning to approve his contract. Cook has been given a three-year contract and will officially begin his new role on August 1, 2024.
Board President Christina Vera noted, "Beyond his impressive professional accomplishments and qualifications, which were pivotal, Mr. Cook resonated most when he spoke sincerely about his shared vision for student achievement and access. He clearly understood how the Treasurer's role can advance this vision, emphasizing collaboration with the Board, the District, and the community. His ideas on community engagement, expanding educational opportunities, and advocacy while prioritizing the District's Goals and Guardrails underscored his dedication. His passion for improving student outcomes was evident and compelling. We are excited to welcome his contributions to the CCS team."
Cook joins Columbus City Schools from Tiffin City Schools, where he has served as CFO since August 2023. During his tenure, he managed an annual budget of over $65 million, developed strategic plans, and ensured the sustainability of educational programs.
"I am humbled and honored to be selected by the Board of Education as the next CFO for Columbus City Schools,” said Ryan Cook. “Going through the process reinforced the commitment, passion, and desire that I knew the Board of Education has for the students and community at CCS. I can not wait to join a world-class team of educators committed to ensuring our students are prepared for the twenty-first century. Additionally, I look forward to immersing myself in the community and working with our internal and external stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard. This is an exciting time to be a part of Columbus City Schools, and I'm humbled to be able to continue providing the fiscal stability our community has come to expect."
His previous roles include:
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CFO & Director of Operations, Bucyrus City Schools
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Interim Treasurer/CFO, Cardington-Lincoln Local Schools
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Interim CFO/Treasurer, Mt. Gilead Exempted Village Schools
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Interim CFO/Treasurer, Ridgedale Local Schools
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Fiscal Services, Treca
In addition to his extensive experience in school finance, Cook is a dedicated community leader:
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Board Member and President, Ridgedale Board of Education
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Vice-Chair Director, Pillar Credit Union, Marion
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Board Member, Audit and Finance Committees, Marion-Crawford Partnership
Cook holds an MBA with distinction from Tiffin University and a Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University. His professional certifications include:
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School Finance and Operations (SFO) Certification, ASBO International
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Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, Purdue University College of Engineering
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Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
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School Treasurer's License
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School Business Manager's License
Cook's dedication and leadership in the field of school finance were recently recognized when he received the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) 2024 Central Region Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious award is a testament to Cook's exceptional contributions to the field and his commitment to improving school finance practices.
The Columbus Board of Education is confident that Cook's expertise and leadership will significantly benefit Columbus City Schools.
