A Finance Director's Journey: Chris Cardott's 20-Year Impact on Rochelle
A Career Spanning Two Decades
Chris Cardott, Rochelle's Finance Director, is stepping down after two decades of dedicated service. Her journey began with an accounting degree from the University of Illinois, followed by a role at a local bank. She then returned home to lead the Northern Illinois University Credit Union for nearly a decade. Before joining the city, she served as an assistant controller at Resource Bank in DeKalb.
A Trailblazer in Public Finance
In 2005, Cardott started as an accountant for the city of Rochelle. Her dedication and skills earned her a promotion to accounting supervisor, and in 2008, she took over as Finance Director. Her philosophy is simple: treat taxpayer money as if it were her own.
Key Achievements
- Streamlined Processes: She takes pride in making operations more efficient.
- Collaborative Leadership: Worked with departments from human resources to risk management.
- Awards for Excellence: Under her leadership, the finance department has consistently received awards for financial reporting and budgeting.
- Budget Management: Oversaw a $133 million budget, ensuring every dollar was accounted for.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborated closely with department heads, city managers, and council members to meet financial needs and drive projects forward.
A Lasting Impact on Rochelle
Cardott's contributions have been instrumental in the city's growth. She has witnessed Rochelle's evolution, with improvements funded through grants and careful budgeting. Her behind-the-scenes work has been pivotal in the city's development.
Retirement and Reflections
As she retires, Cardott plans to spend more time traveling and with family. While she expresses confidence in the finance department's future, she admits it will be strange not to check emails or work on projects. Above all, she will miss the people she has worked with over the years.
