March 14. 2023
The Beachwood Board of Education has named Matthew Brown as the District’s new Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer, effective August 1. The Board unanimously voted to hire Mr. Brown during a regular meeting on Monday, March 13. Mr. Brown currently serves as the Treasurer/CFO of Nordonia Hills City School District. He will succeed Michele Mills, who retires in July after 35 years as Beachwood Schools Treasurer/CFO.
“Mr. Brown’s experience, professionalism, and demeanor are the best fit for Beachwood,” said Board President Megan Walsh in a message to Beachwood Schools staff and families. “He brings a wealth of experience in school finance that will ensure a smooth transition in the treasurer’s office.”
With 20 years of professional experience in school finance and governmental accounting, Mr. Brown previously served as the Euclid City Schools Treasurer/CFO from 2019-2021 and Assistant Treasurer from January 2016. Before entering public education, he worked for a private accounting firm where he managed governmental projects and provided consulting services for governmental accounting standard implementations. Mr. Brown graduated from the University of Akron in 2003 with a bachelor of science in business administration.
He was selected from a pool of eight candidates in a rigorous interview process that included two community and staff input sessions. “Community engagement is a priority of the Board, and the input from these sessions weighed heavily in our decision making,” said Ms. Walsh.
After the unanimous vote, Mr. Brown expressed his gratitude to the Board, stating: “I am very thankful for the opportunity that you’re giving me and the honor that you’re bestowing upon me to be the next treasurer for Beachwood City Schools.”
Mr. Brown praised Ms. Mills and her legacy of integrity and fiscal responsibility. Under her leadership, Beachwood Schools has consistently earned four stars from the Auditor of State–considered the highest achievement in open and transparent government. In addition, Beachwood Schools has achieved top credit ratings, which ensure favorable borrowing rates. The District has maintained the highest possible bond rating–Aaa–from Moody’s Investors Service since 2008.
“[Ms. Mills] has done a great job of laying a strong foundation financially, and I look forward to continuing that for this district for years to come,” said Mr. Brown.
As treasurer, Mr. Brown will advise the Board of Education on all financial related matters and oversee the District’s financial operations, including ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of state and federal reporting and leading the development of the annual District operating budget and five-year forecast.
Welcoming Mr. Brown, Superintendent Robert Hardis stated: “I’m excited to partner with you and serve this amazing community with the integrity, respect, and fiscal conservatism that it deserves.”