ABILENE, Texas — Abilene Independent School District announced Thursday Jennifer Hinds has been promoted to executive director of finance, effective immediately.
In her new role, Hinds will oversee all aspects of the district’s fiscal operations, including budget development, accounting and payroll operations. The role change will help ensure continuity in financial leadership for the AISD following Dr. Joseph Waldron’s recent transition from chief financial officer to deputy superintendent.
Before being promoted, Hinds served as the district’s director of fiscal services. She first joined Abilene ISD in 2020 as a senior accountant. This was after spending three years in Stamford ISD as federal programs director. She began her career in financial leadership at James E. Rodgers & Co. in Hamlin, where she served as an accountant and auditor for 12 years.
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and community of Abilene ISD in this capacity,” Hinds said in a news release from the district. “I am a product of the Big Country, and it is truly an honor and a privilege to serve the community I call home. My goal is to continue the standard of excellence established and continue making fiscally sound decisions managing taxpayer funds. I look forward to the work ahead and the chance to make an impact in the future of our students and community.”
Hinds was recently recognized by the Texas Association of School Business Officials as a 2024 RISE Award recipient, which spotlights emerging leaders within the business for outstanding contributions to school district success and fiscal responsibility.
“Jennifer has excelled in every aspect of school finance leadership during her time with Abilene ISD,” AISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Joe Waldron said. “She has a proven track record of superior customer service while maintaining a high level of precision required to manage a budget of our size. Jennifer is a hard worker, taking the financial well-being of our district personally. Her background in auditing and school business brings a broad knowledge-base essential to the finance department.”
Hinds received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from McMurry University in 2019 and a master’s degree in business administration from Angelo State University in 2020.
