Hiwot Abraha takes top fiscal post, beginning August 1

The Dayton Board of Education announced the appointment of Hiwot Abraha as the district’s new treasurer during a special June 16 meeting. Abraha, who currently serves as the district’s assistant treasurer, will assume her new duties Aug. 1, 2016.

“The Dayton Board of Education welcomes Hiwot Abraha as the new DPS Treasurer, her extensive experience and knowledge as an auditor and experienced accounting professional will assure that Dayton Public Schools will get the highest marks from the State Auditor, and help further reduce its operating expenses, thus directing more funds into the classrooms.”

Abraha joined Dayton Public Schools as a senior accountant in 2008 and became assistant treasurer in 2011. She also served as interim treasurer from November 2012 to June 2013. She has more than 20 years of experience in public school finance, governmental accounting, auditing and banking.

Prior to working for Dayton Public Schools, she served as audit manager for the Auditor of State of Ohio for 14 years managing financial, compliance and internal control and performing special audits of state and local government entities. She also worked as an internal auditor for First National Bank, Dayton and Star Bank Corporation in Cincinnati and as senior accountant for Wilberforce University.

She graduated with honors from Central State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, and holds an Ohio School Treasurer’s Certificate. She is a member of the Association of School Business Officials and the Government Finance Officers Association and is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Auditor of State of Ohio.

Abraha succeeds Treasurer Craig Jones, whose contract will end July 31, 2016.