Julie Hart, CEO/President
Julie founded CFO by design in 2012 with the vision of supporting executives and organizations by using finances as the foundation for organizational excellence. Since then Julie has had the privilege of working with DMO’s and associations across the nation. Julie’s experience does not follow the traditional path and includes serving two terms on the City Council in Bastrop. Julie is known for her expertise in developing easy to understand financial statements, training of executives and boards and taking a long-term, holistic strategic planning approach to organizational finances.
Three People You’d love to have dinner with: Dolly Parton, my grandmother and Albert Einstein
Paula Pate, VP of Operations
During her 20 years of working in both the public and private sector, including an extensive tenure with the Attorney General’s Office, Paula developed her skills in project management, systems development, project outsourcing, and quality control. She also devoted eight years to running her own small business in the areas of real estate and hospitality, learning budgeting, finance maintenance, and staff management.
Three People You’d love to have dinner with: Lucille Ball, Abraham Lincoln, my grandmother
Doreen Pappas, Chief Operating Officer
Controller - The value that Doreen brings to CFO by design is centered on the wide array of work experiences she has enjoyed while operating at all levels of accounting. From filling small but vital roles for large organizations within the banking, insurance, and construction industries where she made routine habit of improving existing accounting practices, to being the sole accounting resource for smaller religious and recreational-based entities where she was responsible for the development and creation of new processes. She constantly strives for one hundred percent accuracy in everything she does; her innate attention to detail and her outstanding work ethic are the reasons Doreen has always been such a valued asset for her employers to have.
Three People You’d love to have dinner with: My three amazing kids – or – My Aunt, Robin Roberts, and Stevie Nicks
Debbie Russell, CPA, Chief Financial Officer
Debbie joins CFO by Design with over 30 years of progressive accounting experience. She earned her BBA in Accounting from Baylor University in 1989 and obtained her CPA license shortly thereafter. She has worked in many industries including Oil and Gas, Non-profit, and Healthcare. She has extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of accounting and has led many accounting software and payroll system implementations. She sees the importance in learning a client’s processes from the ground up through research and analysis. This enables her to identify her client’s strengths and needs to then advise them on how to improve their financial processes to set them up for success. Debbie takes pride in being very detailed oriented and in being a good team leader with the right skill set, knowledge, and work ethic.
Three People You’d love to have dinner with: My Dad, Coach Scott Drew, and Ellen DeGeneres.
Danielle Gonzalez, MBA, Controller
Candice Morton, MBA, Controller
AnnMari Cooper, Controller
Bridgett Jones, Controller
With over 25 years of experience in the accounting field, Bridgett has honed her skills as a meticulous number-cruncher and a strategic financial thinker. Her journey has taken her through the intricacies of financial records, budget oversight and management, as well as translating intricate financial details into compelling narratives . What truly sets Bridgett apart is a role as a Forensic Accountant, where she testified as an expert witness in juridical cases.