Q&A WITH PHYLLIS HANNA, 2013 MONARCH AWARD RECIPIENT

Q: What does being chosen to receive the Monarch Award mean to you?
A: I never saw myself as doing things in my personal and professional life to gain recognition. That was never my goal. I was never thinking, “If I do this I will get this award or recognition.”

I was always really just trying to get things done and be part of the solution when I could be. Being recognized and distinguished by my colleagues and peers is very humbling. Looking at the people who were before me, who will be in the audience and what they’ve done in their careers humbles me. It is exciting but humbling.

Q: What was your reaction when you first heard about the award?
A: Total shock was my first reaction. I was speechless when Dr. Jacoby called. He had to ask, “Phyllis are you still there?” This may come as a shock to others that I was speechless.

Q: What are your thoughts on the value of recognizing outstanding school business officials?
A: I feel that all professional organizations should have some way to give acknowledgement to members who have been more than status quo and took the organization and profession to a new level, whether state, local or national.

Within the organization it has the appearance of setting the bar. For the non-organization world (i.e. communities) it shows that there is a measurement of some type for success, and that they have staff who not only do their job but do it well, and their peers are acknowledging that. Awards help send the message that you don’t go the extra step just for recognition but because our profession is a good profession.

Q: How has your involvement in Illinois ASBO shaped your career?
A: I started as a bookkeeper and crunched numbers. My boss let me learn by doing under his tutelage. He allowed me to take on more and learn more. That was self-serving on both parts. From bookkeeper to coordinator to director, I learned by doing and without the support mechanism and opportunities provided by Illinois ASBO I wouldn’t have been able to do that.

Coming from a non-credentialed position has shaped me to be open-minded. Whether it is a Superintendent, community member, CSBO or principal, we are coming together to solve a problem and I have something to give to this conversation. The only way to have a voice is if everyone at the table believes that everyone has a voice.

Q: What advice would you give to those that aspire to follow in your footsteps?
A: Your involvement is very important whether it stays at the local level or it expands. Just the networking amongst colleagues alone as a support mechanism is extremely important.

I am not certified. Everything I have I earned and I know is because I went to Illinois ASBO workshops, networked and we’ve all counseled each other. Things have evolved and changed but networking and that connection with other members are still extremely important. You can’t just stay in your district.

Any conversation you are involved in, check your ego at the door. No one person knows everything. You have to have open-minded conversations to learn more and also share your knowledge. An ego gets in the way and stops that exchange. Respect anyone and everyone who has the credentials and the time and effort they put in, but recognize that everyone in the conversation has something to give.

Q: How have you seen Illinois ASBO and the profession evolve during your career?
A: Business officials started off as number crunchers. Illinois ASBO has evolved with the profession. We are now involved in a lot of conversations that we never were before. From which busses are on the street, to what teaching materials you are going to use. Being involved in the Editorial Advisory Board, it was interesting to hear how many people were talking knowledgeably about the Common Core, which would previously have been “just a curriculum matter.”

My first Illinois ASBO Annual Conference – in Indian lakes – we had what we called “fellowship” in the evening. All the guys sat and played cards and that was the entertainment for the evening. There was even a spouses program titled, “How to Pack for a Trip.” You could count on one hand how many female business managers there were.

Q: Can you please share your thoughts on the mission and importance of the Illinois ASBO Foundation?
A: I think the Foundation serves a great purpose because it is supportive of the profession. There is an opportunity to expand that by supporting research.

The availability of scholarships for people to advance themselves, and that anyone going through a CSBO program can find funding to help support them is extraordinary. This is giving the new blood an opportunity to get into the profession.

The new Leadership Institute scholarships help us build leadership not necessarily just as school business people, but to build on skills in something that there is not a formalized way to do within the district. Having a scholarship and building up more leaders, also brings in more blood and expands the profession.

Giving back to the community through awards is phenomenal. There are many organizations that can benefit so why not give it back? It just makes sense.

Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: I am retiring! After 32 years in school business office, I am going to retire, enjoy life and see what comes after that. Every time you make a change it is unsettling but exciting. Moving jobs you have a degree of what to expect. This is new territory for me.

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See an interview with Allen Albus, 2013 Distinguished Service Award recipient
See an interview with Ray Coyne, 2013 Above and Beyond Award recipient