Essentials of Financial Management & Administration 2026-2027

Katie Johnson is the Executive Director of the Ohio Association of School Business Officials. Katie is the seventh Executive Director and the first woman to lead the organization since its inception in 1936.

Katie was the Deputy Executive Director for OASBO prior to being named Executive Director. In that role, she served as legislative lead and in-house legal counsel for the association, keeping staff and members abreast of legal and regulatory compliance issues in school business. In addition, she has served as the chief learning officer, developing curriculum to support OASBO’s strategic plan and the Ohio school business profession.

Katie also serves on boards and committees focused on public finance, including serving as a member on the Finance and Appropriations Committee for Columbus City School District, as Treasurer of the Confluence Community Authority, and as past President of the Ohio Chapter of Women in Public Finance.

Katie holds a bachelor's degree in Business Finance from the University of Colorado, a master’s degree in Education from The Ohio State University, and a law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

Jennifer Bruns is the Chief Financial Officer of St. Henry Cons. LSD, where she has served since January 2016. Jennifer also serves as the Fiscal & Mentoring Specialist for Mercer County Educational Service Center. Jennifer began her School Finance career as the CFO of Riverside Local School District in Logan County. Prior to becoming a Treasurer/CFO, Jennifer worked for the Ohio Auditor of State. Jennifer has been a member of OASBO since 2012, has been very involved in the West Central Chapter, and currently serves on the OASBO Board of Directors as the Northwest Region Director. Jennifer also serves as the Chair of the OASBO Auditor of State Committee.

Ryan Pendleton is the Executive Director of the Shared Services Alliance where he coordinates financial and operations support for northeast Ohio school districts through the Educational Service Centers of Northeast Ohio, Medina, and Lorain Counties.

Ryan is very active in state and federal issues concerning education and the potential impact on the students of Ohio. He is a member of the Fair School Funding Work Group, co-chairing both the Base Cost and Analysis and Support Groups.  As an inaugural member of the Work Group, Ryan made significant contributions to creating and advocating for Ohio’s new state funding formula.  His efforts contributed to the Fair School Funding Formula being included in the 2022-2023 Biennium Budget.

Ryan is a Leadership Akron Class 32 graduate and dedicated to serving the community, in particular the students across Ohio. Prior to working at North Coast Shared Service Alliance, Ryan was the CFO/Treasurer of Akron Public and Barberton City Schools and worked previously as a financial advisor.  

Ryan earned a BA in Business Administration from Malone College and an MBA from Cleveland State University.  

Chris Williams has thirty years of experience as a trial attorney, focusing on all aspects of employment, commercial and general tort litigation. Chris has represented Ohio school boards in trial and appellate court litigation, labor arbitrations, real property tax valuation cases, civil rights claims, employment discrimination, student discipline matters, and many other school law matters. Chris also counsels school boards in labor and other contract negotiations. Chris is the former Chair of the Executive Committee of the Ohio Council of School Board Attorneys and is a regular presenter on school law issues throughout the state.

Jennifer is a Fiscal Operations Coordinator with Shared Services Alliance (SSA) where she provides fiscal support to school districts and governmental agencies across Ohio. Jennifer also serves as the CFO for Spencerville Local Schools. Prior, she was the Treasurer/CFO of Benjamin Logan. Before public service, she worked in the financial industry for 10 years. Jennifer also currently serves on the OASBO Board as the At Large Director of Transportation.

With many years of experience in the investment industry, Joe has had exposure to both equity and fixed income markets. Much of this time has been spent working with fixed income products and portfolios. He brings a focused and detailed approach to portfolio management.

Much of his day-to-day involves working closely with current clients and fostering new relationships. His experience in portfolio management combined with the knowledge of relevant sections of Ohio Revised Code gives him the ability to serve RedTree’s clients to the fullest.

Originally from Tampa, FL where he spent most of his childhood, Joe now resides in Northern Kentucky with his wife, Rachel, their daughter, Rosie, and two dogs, Overton and Sable. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, golfing, and when time allows, traveling the world.