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Dowell leaving exec position in AISD finances, but not department [Abilene Reporter-News, Texas :: ]
[August 28, 2014]

Dowell leaving exec position in AISD finances, but not department [Abilene Reporter-News, Texas :: ]


(Abilene Reporter-News (TX) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Aug. 29--ABILENE, Texas -- The year was 1989 when a young Keith Dowell, an auditor at a local accounting firm, was hired by the Abilene Independent School District to work in the finance office.



On Friday, he'll call it a career, sort of, as the month comes to an end. After Labor Day, the district's executive director for school business and finance will be able to kick his feet up and celebrate a 25-year career he's happy with.

For a month, at least.


Dowell's taking only one month off from office work, when he'll return to the district part-time to continue assisting the finance department's largest transition in more than a decade.

"Continuity has been a big part of the successes the department has had over the last several years," Dowell said. "We just don't have much turnover. I think it speaks to the work environment, that we have a very positive workplace. We've been able to put our stamp on how the department functions and what it looks like." In addition to helping the person assuming his responsibilities, he'll handle the finances of the district's $87 million construction project, which would ease some of the burden from the staff.

AISD has tabbed Melissa Irby as the next executive director. She is no stranger to the district, as she replaced Dowell in his previous position as director of accounting services when he moved into the executive position 11 years ago. Before that, she served as a special programs accountant for three years.

The transition for Irby means someone needed to fill her role, so Misty Tom, another longtime district employee, is preparing for added responsibility.

They've all had a major hand in completing the district's audit, and the transition for each will make it more difficult for them to focus on the work they need to complete. It's part of the reason Dowell is returning to the district in October; the months after a budget is finally completed are devoted to performing the audit and ensuring the finances are in perfect, working order.

Those audits have been a point of pride for Dowell. No red flags were raised in his time at the district and proper controls of money were maintained every year. He wants to see the streak continue, he said.

Like Dowell, Irby said she wants to see the district's successes continue. Dowell, she said, has done a fantastic job in his position and performing as he did would be considered a success in her mind.

"It's a huge responsibility and Keith has done a great job," Irby said. "My goal at this point is to just continue the same level of service he's given to the district and the (school) board. I'd be really happy if I can even meet the same level he was able to provide. But the department's success isn't just because of the work Keith or I have done. It's about the work ethic of the staff, which is just exceptional. It makes (us look good) and makes it easier for us to do our jobs." Twitter: @TimothyChippARN ___ (c)2014 the Abilene Reporter-News (Abilene, Texas) Visit the Abilene Reporter-News (Abilene, Texas) at www.reporternews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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