The Making of NSFA: How Christy Mead Helps Schools Build Strong Financial Systems

Christy Mead, Senior Accountant

With 28 years of experience in school finance, Christy Mead, Senior Accountant at New Schools for Alabama, has seen it all, but her motivation has stayed the same: helping schools serve students well. “If I am honest, I never thought I would be in the school finance scene until my aunt helped me get a summer job in a central office while I was in college,” she recalls. “That is where I fell in love with it. I am passionate about making sure funds are used for what they are intended: the kids.”

As a former Chief School Financial Officer for 18 years, Christy’s leadership philosophy is simple but powerful. “Stay true to yourself,” she says. “There are things that will test you, whether it is gossip or politics. Do not get wrapped up in drama and change who you are. In the wise words of one of my lifetime heroes, Queen Elizabeth II, never complain, never explain.”

When Christy joined NSFA, it felt like a natural next step after retirement. “My passion is giving students the resources to succeed. NSFA underscores my core values, so I was blessed to join an organization that allows me to continue doing what I love and make a difference,” she says. In her role, Christy helps schools properly report and organize their financial books, and she participates in state monitoring and audits.

Advocating for Alabama Charters

Looking at Alabama’s education landscape, Christy sees both challenges and opportunities. “In my opinion, the biggest challenge with charter schools in Alabama is the public’s lack of knowledge and experience with charter schools,” she explains. “However, I believe this is an easy fix. We are our best advocates, and we collectively need to market the organization’s capability to give back to Alabama.”

Her attention to detail and humor shine through when she shares her best “finance secret.” She jokes, “Simple, poor reporting and inaccurate information can lead to jail. I do not want to end up incarcerated.” She adds, “Setting goals, deadlines, and responding in a timely manner keeps you from getting behind and keeps the team moving toward a common goal.”

Life Beyond the Ledger

 Outside of spreadsheets and audits, Christy’s world revolves around family. “My husband and I have two great kids, Alec and Ericka. Since we are empty nesters, we enjoy the company of a spoiled Cocker Spaniel named Cowboy,” she says. “Yes, my husband is a Dallas Cowboys fan.” Christy loves traveling and creating memories with her husband, mother, and stepfather, and she is preparing to take up a new hobby. “I have been told that I will start to love playing golf this spring after my husband forces golf lessons on me.”

Her ability to balance work and life comes down to focus and boundaries. “I work hard when I work, and I am disciplined about staying on task. As soon as I move on to family or personal interests, I focus on that activity. I do not think about work on my personal time, but I will respond to time-sensitive questions or requirements if needed.”

If she had not pursued accounting, Christy says she would have become a large animal veterinarian. “I love animals and grew up on a farm,” she says. When it is time to unwind, she follows the weather’s lead. “On a sunny day, I love working outside and getting some vitamin D in the yard or on the farm. On a cold or rainy day, I am snuggled up on the chair with my dog, watching movies with a good pot of soup in the crock pot.”

As for her life’s theme song, Christy admits she needed help deciding. “I had to phone a friend on this one,” she laughs. “My husband says it would be ‘Here Comes the Boom’ because, throughout my career, if my interaction with an employee was out of character, the result or topic usually did not yield a positive outcome.”

Whether she is tightening budgets, mentoring others, or making memories with her family, Christy brings integrity, humor, and heart to everything she does. She is a true reflection of NSFA’s mission to make every dollar and every day count for Alabama’s students.