KAREN M. RHODES-WHITLEY
McKinney
Summary
With over 33 years of progressive financial leadership experience for the City of Plano, Texas, I consistently demonstrate my financial acumen and dynamic communication style to effectively oversee financial management, budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and customer service. Throughout my career, I have honed public speaking and media interview skills, confidently representing the organization. As a results-driven leader, I have a solid background in strategic management and contributing to organizational growth. My expertise lies in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability and effective collaboration, I thrive in dynamic environments and consistently deliver measurable outcomes. With strong communication and problem-solving abilities, I am dedicated to fostering a productive and positive team culture.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Budget & Research
City of Plano
01.1998 - Current
- Direct all Budget and Community Investment Program activities for a $1.2 billion City budget through a staff of nine
- Coordinating the Fiscal Road Map Project designed to reinvent the City of Plano budget process to align with the Rethinking Budget initiative developed by GFOA
- Designed and coordinated all activities associated with the Budget Contingency Plan used to offset revenue deficits utilized during 2001-2003 and 2008-2012 to present including Core Business Matrix Modeling and Priority Based Budgeting
- Successfully supervised all activities associated with the 2001-2021 Bond Referendum. Currently overseeing 2025 $650 million Bond Referendum scheduled for May 3, 2025.
- Served on Financial Team instrumental in attaining 'AAA' Bond Rating 25 years in a row
- Serve as Tax Assessor/Collector overseeing all aspects of property tax revenue and collections including legislative activities
- Coordinate and monitor all aspects of Water & Sewer Rate Model and Sales Tax Reporting Model
- Served as J.D. Edwards Project Manager for the implementation of the City’s financial system
- Serve on both Retirement Security Program Committee (Current Chairperson) and 115 OPEB Trust
Budget Manager
City of Plano
01.1993 - 01.1998
- Managed all activities associated with the City’s Annual Operating Budget and Community Investment Program including supervising and training a staff of five
- Designed and implemented the City’s first Five-Year Financial Forecast – A Look Ahead utilizing economic and financial trend modeling
- Led the development of the first City budget document to be awarded the Outstanding Budget Award by GFOA
- Served on the PeopleSoft Project Team for the implementation of the Human Resource and Payroll Modules
Budget Analyst
City of Plano
01.1990 - 01.1993
- Provided assistance to various administrative departments in the development of their annual operating budget and general accounting activities
- Developed the original Budget Contingency Plan in 1992
Senior Financial Analyst
Bank One Texas, NA
01.1987 - 01.1990
- Responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of the annual budget, quarterly budget reviews, monthly and multi-year forecasts of the operating budget
- Prepared and analyzed the financial reports for the Asset and Liability Committee and Board of Directors
- Implemented the Budget On-line System via MICS for budget entry by Bank One departments and branch offices
- Responsible for processing overnight Fed Fund transfers
- Assisted with accounting functions including preparing financial statements, reconciling and processing accounts payable and accounts receivable, tax preparation, payroll and year-end close procedures
Credit Manager
GE Capital Corporation
01.1987 - 12.1987
- Managed the Northeast Territory Operations for the Lowe’s Credit Card Business Unit including three Credit Leaders and twenty Credit Operators
Portfolio Control Manager
GE Capital Corporation
01.1986 - 01.1987
- Responsible for the start-up operation of the Service Merchandise Credit Card Collection Unit
- Hired, trained and supervised two Collection Leaders and thirteen Collection Coordinators
Education
GFOA Leadership Academy -
Charleston, South Carolina01.2022
Master of Public Administration -
University of Texas at Dallas
Dallas, Texas01.2015
Certified Public Manager Program -
University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas12.2010
Registered Tax Assessor/Collector Level IV -
City of Plano, Texas
Austin, Texas01.2005
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas01.1985
Skills
- Effective Relationship Management
- Strategic Development
- Effective Communication Skills
- Strategic Decision-Making
Affiliations
- GFOA – Government Finance Organization Association, 01/01/92, present
- GFOA Standing CORBA Committee, 01/01/19, present, Current Chair
- GFOA Standing Economic Development and Capital Planning Committee, 01/01/09, 12/31/15
- Women’s Public Finance Committee, 01/01/08, 12/31/10, Co-Chair
- GFOA Standing Budget Committee, 01/01/00, 12/31/06
- GFOA Distinguished Budget Reviewer, 01/01/92, present
- GFOAT – Government Finance Organization Association of Texas, 01/01/95, present
- GFOAT Board President, 01/01/08, 12/31/09
- GFOAT Board President Elect, 01/01/07, 12/31/08
- GFOAT Board Secretary, 01/01/06, 12/31/07
- GFOAT North Texas Representative, 01/01/03, 12/31/05
- GFOAT Newsletter Committee, 01/01/95, present
- Institute of Governmental Finance for Texas Tech University, Associate Director
- TML - Texas Municipal League, 01/01/95, present
- TAAO - Texas Association of Assessing Officers, 01/01/05, present
Timeline
Director of Budget & Research
City of Plano
01.1998 - Current
Budget Manager
City of Plano
01.1993 - 01.1998
Budget Analyst
City of Plano
01.1990 - 01.1993
Senior Financial Analyst
Bank One Texas, NA
01.1987 - 01.1990
Credit Manager
GE Capital Corporation
01.1987 - 12.1987
Portfolio Control Manager
GE Capital Corporation
01.1986 - 01.1987
Master of Public Administration -
University of Texas at Dallas
Certified Public Manager Program -
University of Texas at Arlington
Registered Tax Assessor/Collector Level IV -
City of Plano, Texas
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
University of Texas at Austin
GFOA Leadership Academy -
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