Suzy Anthony
Public Education Foundation has promoted Suzy M. Anthony to become the organization’s first Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Anthony will join the senior leadership team and provide strategic guidance to the staff and board, ensuring excellence in business processes that promote the financial health and growth of the 25-year old organization.
Ms. Anthony joined the PEF staff in July 2013 and is responsible for all aspects of accounting, finance, human resources and operations. This new position will incorporate strategic planning, growth of new and existing local and regional programs, development of partnerships and resources in the community, and input on the direction of the organization.
Her previous positions include auditor and audit manager for Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC (formerly Hazlett, Lewis & Bieter, PLLC), where she worked to strengthen accounting systems for clients in industries such as manufacturing and distribution, local government, banking and not-for-profit entities.
“As our organization has grown and programs and funding streams diversify, the challenges of strategic growth and financial integrity and compliance increase,” said Dan Challener, president of PEF. “Suzy has been a deft manager of our finances and policies, but just as important is her dedication to PEF’s mission of increasing student achievement. Her heart is in this work.”
Ms. Anthony said, “I am honored to accept the promotion to CFO. I am deeply committed to PEF’s mission to improve student achievement and I look forward to working with the board and staff to ensure we manage our resources to accomplish that mission.”
According to PEF Board Chairman Jim Hill, Ms. Anthony combines both passion for PEF’s mission with vital expertise in finance and operations. “Suzy’s dedication to her work helps PEF pursue our mission efficiently, steward our grants and contributions properly, and help promote an organizational culture of innovation. She is a tremendous asset to PEF,” said Mr. Hill.
Ms. Anthony is a public school parent and lives in East Brainerd with her husband, Mike, and two children. She earned a degree in accounting from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She holds the CPA designation and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as well as the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants. She serves as treasurer on the boards of the Association of Government Accountants and the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies, and is a board member of Common Cents Financial Literacy as well as the Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences PTSA, and a member of the ArtsBuild allocations financial review committee.