DFMC BOARD CANDIDATE
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
NAME OF CANDIDATE: Cecilia Colbert
REPRESENTING (ARCH)DIOCESE OF: Dallas
POSITION TITLE: CFO
NUMBER OF YEARS IN CURRENT POSITION: 10 years
NUMBER OF DFMC CONFERENCES ATTENDED: 9
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Oversee financial operations for Diocese and related entities – 77 parishes, 29 schools, 2 seminaries, an assisted living center and cemetery. In addition to accounting, finance and audit areas, oversee Risk Management, Purchasing, Shared Services, Conference Center and IT functions. Currently serving as interim leader for Development and Human Resources.
Accomplishments:
Updated systems: Transitioned general ledger to Blackbaud, implemented first- ever HRIS, Implemented Qvinci parish reporting tool, Led transition of electronic payment from parishes to Pastoral Center
Implemented incorporation of and maintain annual incorporated status of parishes, schools and other entities.
Restructured and facilitate quarterly Business Manager meetings and trainings for new Business Managers.
Revamped and streamlined Pastoral Center budget process and parish assessment calculation process.
COVID: Led effort to garner $35M in first and second round PPP loans for our entities as well as forgiveness of the loans; established protocols and processes to ensure positive cash management while parishes were closed.
Conducted multiple RFPs to ensure best pricing / meet standards: audit firms, property and casualty insurance program, electricity across the Diocese, etc.
Strategize around implementation of the Synod – a multi-year project encompassing sixteen difference initiatives to improve the work of the Diocese.
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR BACKGROUND PRIOR TO WORKING FOR THE (ARCH)DIOCESE:
Prior to my work at the Diocese, I had almost 30 years of work experience in public accounting (KPMG), the for-profit industry (Neiman Marcus, Art Institute of Dallas), a supply-chain cooperative (VHA) and a non-profit organization (American Heart Association).
ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION:
I have been married to my wonderful husband, Calvin, for 25 years and we have two young adult daughters – Maddie, 22, and Sophia, 19.
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, ETC.:
CPA
MBA – University of Dallas
PARISH/CHURCH AFFILIATIONS:
St. Rita Catholic Church – Dallas, TX