The Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award is given to business officers who have made extraordinary contributions to their schools and exemplify exceptional integrity, knowledge and motivation. At the end of each school year, new Unsung Heroes receive their award from their head of school, often at a significant school occasion such as a board meeting or an all-school ceremony. What makes these Unsung Heroes so special? The highlights below come straight from their colleagues' nominations.
See a full list of the 2018 recipients. Stay tuned to NetAssets.org for additional profiles.
Title: Chief Financial Officer
School: Marburn Academy, New Albany, Ohio
Years in position: 16
Years in an independent school business office: 16
Superpower: Fiscal savvy. Over three years, Weakley grew Marburn Academy’s operating reserve from "virtually nothing" to financial security while leading efforts to construct a new 64,000 square foot building. "It is not going too far to say that without Beth’s tireless commitment to quality coupled with fiscal responsibility, Marburn Academy’s new home would never have been realized on time or under budget, as was the case."
Cool head, warm heart: "She has a firm but kind way of dealing with financial requests from teachers and staff, both within and beyond expenses that are budgeted or planned for, and always considers what is best for our students first before making recommendations or decisions."
Helping hand: Weakley "is a true partner with her colleagues in raising and accounting for gift income. She is always happy to review financial documents and grant proposal budgets, serve as a sounding board for ideas, or simply proofread a document."
Unflagging energy: Weakley has worked longer than intended to see through key projects and ensure strong financial footing for the school. "She is unflappable and extraordinarily hard working; even in the last months of her tenure as CFO, she continues to bring her best skills forward, assisting in the search for her replacement and keeping the best interests of the students and school foremost in her mind."
See a full list of the 2018 recipients and read more about the Will J. Hancock Unsung Hero Award. NetAssets.org will post additional profiles of Unsung Heroes throughout the fall — check in to learn more about other recipients.
