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
Danielle has over a decade of accounting experience. She earned her MBA in Business Administration and BA in Finance from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. She is known for her attention to detail, going the extra mile for her clients and is our resident systems expert. Danielle has excelled in leading engagements with both DMO and non-profit associations.
Three people you’d love to have dinner with: Lucille Ball, Mr Rogers and Sandra Bullock.
AnnMari Cooper, Controller
Candice Morton, MBA, Controller
Candice has more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. She earned a degree in Electronic Engineering and Technology, a BS in Technical Management, a Masters in Accounting and Finance and an MBA with a concentration in Accounting. Candice has worked in all aspects of accounting and has extensive hands-on experience with accounting software implementations. She has worked in many fields including food and beverage, and Healthcare. What sets Candice apart from others is her ability to work well under pressure while also maintaining a positive attitude. This has allowed Candice to successfully manage multiple departments and projects with tight deadlines, resulting in high-quality work.
Three people that you’d like to have dinner with: My dad, Martin Luther King Jr, and Lucille Ball.
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.
Jewell Armstrong, Controller
Accounting is not just a profession, it is a passion for Jewell. She obtained her BBA in Accounting from Tarleton State University after falling in love with it in High School. She brings 20 plus years of experience in Non-Profit, Public, and Private sectors and brings a diversified knowledge to the CFO by design team. Jewell enjoys continuing to learn and research within the accounting field. She believes in engaging with clients and building strong relationships to promote synergy and growth.
Three people you'd love to have dinner with: Susan B. Anthony, Lisa Fernandez, Penny Chenery.
Ann Mari Cooper, Controller
Annmari comes to CFO by design with 13 years in the Non-Profit sector and 10 years in the Legal field. While working in Not for Profit, she led teams with the focus on accuracy, timeliness, and superior customer service. She has extensive experience in Governmental, State and Corporate Grants as well as 10 years as a Paralegal which added to her the skills in Attention to Detail and Strict Compliance of Contracts. She has a driven passion to “Get the Job done and get it right”. Her education in accounting had a focus on Governmental and Non-Profit Accounting. Three people I would love to have dinner with are: Dr. Demetrio Boulafendes; George Strait and my Grandmother.