Christopher Smith

“He brings a wealth of expertise to his roles,” says Guadalupe Garcia, a colleague of Christopher Smith—a statement supported by his long-standing impact on the Katy Independent School District. As chief financial officer, he oversees financial operations for the nearly 95,000-student district. His leadership has helped guide four major bond programs over the past decade to support the district’s growing infrastructure needs. Katy ISD has earned GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for forty-one consecutive years. Christopher also serves on the board of directors for the Texas Association of School Business Officials, contributes to its Governmental Relations Committee, and supports the Katy ISD Education Foundation as an ex-officio board member. With a career motivated by supporting community needs, Christopher continues to work to advance public education in Texas. 

Nominated by Guadalupe Garcia, partner, Whitley Penn, LLP, Houston, Texas