2017 Financial Stewardship

Lillian Hobbs’ position as chief financial officer of Dale Rogers Training Center is vital, but not just in terms of money.

Dale Rogers Training Center has trained or employed roughly 1,100 people a year with disabilities who average more than $5.3 million in total annual wages. In her role as CFO, Hobbs has developed a true partnership with the executive director and board to step out of her fiscal comfort zone to resolve issues to help grow the nonprofit organization.

From 2001 to 2016, the agency’s annual budget increased from $5 million to $19.5 million due to federal contracts and new business models set up under Hobbs’ expertise.

“I have reviewed this agency’s books and computer records for many years, and I have rarely seen books, fiscal policies and reports as well-organized and cohesive as those of Dale Rogers Training Center,” said Carl Hamilton, president of the Dale Rogers Board of Directors.

In addition, Hobbs has written and handled the oversight of all fiscal policies and procedures, including both financial and information technology. She set up all the fiscal procedures for Dale Rogers’ businesses that include DRTC Awards awards and gifts, DRTC Framing, Robin’s Corner Gift Shop and a Papa Murphy’s Take & Bake pizza franchise along with the federal contracts at Tinker Air Force Base, the Oklahoma City downtown GSA buildings and FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.

“Flawless audits, operational efficiency, cost reduction and cash flow efficiency indicate success in overwhelming business challenges, all of which contribute to the company’s reputation and demonstrated commitment to fiscal integrity and accountability,” said Connie Thrash McGoodwin, executive director of Dale Rogers Training Center.

“On the personal side, Lillian’s positive attitude, high level of integrity and dependability is unparalleled. She believes strongly in the mission of training and putting people with disabilities to work. She is caring, but at the same time, the consummate professional,” McGoodwin said.

“Lillian models professional behavior for other staff, they know she will always do the right thing,” she said. “Don’t be misled by her quiet demeanor. Behind that unflappable façade is a backbone of steel.”

Lillian and her spouse, Myra, have three children – Matthew, who recently graduated from Oklahoma State University, and Robyn and Marshall, who are both students at OSU. Lillian is a member of Civitan International and the Sierra Club, and volunteers for the ecologically minded organization Pando Populous.

(Story from the Journal Record)