Business Professional Applies Her Skills to Arts and Nonprofits
Judy, a University of Kentucky graduate and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), is the Director of Finance at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. She is also an avid member of Impact 100 and has served on a Grant Review Team. She has participated for two years in the Young Philanthropist Scholarship Program. In addition, Judy is the Board Treasurer for the Kentucky Nonprofit Network, board member for CASA in Clermont County and an active member of the Junior League of Cincinnati.
Judy recounts, “I joined a regional CPA firm right out of school in Lexington. At first, I dabbled in various industries – manufacturing, construction, equine and more. Eventually, I developed an affinity for my nonprofit clients – and ended up devoting around 80 percent of my consulting time to this sector.”
Judy’s passion for nonprofits expanded beyond the workplace: “I participated in Leadership Lexington, and I served on multiple boards and fundraising committees. I was really involved in the community,” she says.
Establishing Cincinnati Connections
In 2021, Judy moved to Cincinnati after her husband accepted a new job. She soon missed the nonprofit connections she had established in Lexington, so a friend introduced her to Impact 100 through member Jenny Berg.
“Jenny was instrumental in my joining Impact 100,” Judy notes. “There was nothing like it in Lexington.” Her involvement was solidified during her work on a Grant Review Team, because “it was very well done. I learned so much from women who have been involved for multiple years. They knew exactly what questions to ask…what issues called for greater focus and attention,” Judy says.
A pinnacle moment was Judy’s first Annual Awards Celebration as a full member: “I felt like I was at the Grammys,” she quips. “The level of excitement everywhere…I thought…yes, I’ll stick with this!”