Scott Gainer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District has been named Crain’s Cleveland Business 2014 CFO of the Year. Gainer received the award for the government category at Crain’s award ceremony at the Cleveland Convention Center October 23.
Crain’s CFO of the Year award is dedicated to recognizing the contributions and accomplishments specific to CFOs in Northeast Ohio. The award is the only one of its type in the region and is recognized as a true distinction for Northeast Ohio fiscal officers.
“Every day we witness Scott’s experience, vision and leadership.” said CHUH Superintendent Talisa Dixon. “The continued validation of Scott’s effort and hard work by outside organizations is immensely rewarding to see. I am incredibly proud to have him as a member of our team. He is a true asset to this community.”
As reported on CrainsCleveland.com, Kal Zucker, who is nearing the end of his third term on the school district's board, said he's worked closely with Gainer “in some capacity for at least 15 years.” During that time, what has stood out most to Zucker is Gainer's calming influence.
“As you might imagine, we have some challenges,” Zucker said. “Since we've worked together, we've faced a lawsuit, a levy cycle, budget cuts, and he has a way of talking you through those things, taking the facts and presenting them in a very clear way.”
In his more than 19 years with the District, Mr. Gainer’s sound fiscal stewardship has endeared him to the CH-UH community. His work has brought him numerous distinctions. The Ohio Association of School Business Officials named him their 2010 CFO and Treasurer of the Year for the State of Ohio. For each of the last 12 years, Mr. Gainer and his staff have been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association – the highest form of recognition in the field of government accounting and financial reporting.