Proof You Can Start Over Without Walking Away From Everything ft. Michele Trongaard

Twenty-three years is a long time to spend earning a reputation. Michele Trongaard has one that precedes her everywhere she goes in this industry, and after sitting across from her for this conversation, I understand exactly why. Michele is stepping away from her role as a district CFO after more than two decades in public school finance, and she's doing it on her own terms, heading into a new chapter rather than just closing the book on the old one. I wanted to talk with her about what actually built that reputation, because it wasn't the budgets or the balance sheets. It was something much harder to teach. She told me about her early career, trying to become a carbon copy of a boss she admired, right down to the tone he used in a room, and how much pressure that put on her before she finally gave herself permission to lead in her own voice instead. We got into the real financial pressures facing public education today too: inflation, unfunded mandates, and the balancing act of meeting rising costs without raising taxes on the communities these districts serve. What stuck with me most was hearing her talk about staying visible as a leader. She made a habit of getting out from behind her desk to walk the halls and talk directly with principals, teachers, and staff, and that one habit shaped her entire leadership style, and her legacy. She also shared what pulled her into education in the first place, advice for young CPAs weighing private practice against public service, and what finally told her it was time for something new, without losing the parts of this world she still loves. This one's an honest look at what it means to build a career around service, and what it actually looks like to walk away from something you love while still holding onto the parts that made it meaningful. More About the Guest Michele Trongaard, CPA, RTSBA, SFO, has spent 23 years in school finance, most recently serving as Associate Superintendent of Business and Finance for Mansfield ISD, a role she's retiring from this year. She holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas and an MBA in School Finance and Operations from Concordia University. Michele is a Past President of TASBO and has been recognized with the ASBO Pinnacle Achievement Award in 2019 and the ASBO Eagle International Award in 2024. She currently serves on the ASBO SFO Committee and the TEA/TASBO Accounting and Auditing Advisory Committee, sits on the TASBO RISE Award Committee as a reviewer, and reviews for the TASBO Scholarship Award as well. Ripple with Michele Trongaard: LinkedIn More About the Host Steve Harper is the founder of Ripple Central and host of The Ripple Effect Podcast, where he explores what it really takes to build authentic, meaningful relationships. He also owns Owner Insite, a construction project management software company. Steve runs The Pond, a community built around intentional connection and 8-Minute Ripple events. Ripple with Steve Harper: Instagram Facebook Twitter Website Patreon