A Finance Director's Journey: Chris Cardott's 20-Year Impact on Rochelle

Chris Cardott, Rochelle's Finance Director, is stepping down after two decades of service. Her career began with an accounting degree from the University of Illinois, followed by a stint at a local bank. She then returned home to lead the Northern Illinois University Credit Union for nearly a decade. Before joining the city, she worked at Resource Bank in DeKalb as an assistant controller. In 2005, Cardott started as an accountant for the city of Rochelle. Her dedication and skills led to her promotion as accounting supervisor, and later, she took over as finance director in 2008. Cardott's approach to her work is simple: treat taxpayer money as if it were her own. She takes pride in making processes more efficient and has worked with various departments, from human resources to risk management. Under her leadership, the city's finance department has consistently received awards for excellence in financial reporting and budgeting. Managing a $133 million budget is no small feat, but Cardott breaks it down by department, ensuring every dollar is accounted for. She collaborates closely with department heads, city managers, and council members to meet financial needs and drive projects forward. Cardott's impact on Rochelle is undeniable. She has seen the city evolve over the years, with improvements funded through grants and careful budgeting. Her work behind the scenes has contributed to the city's growth and development. As she retires, Cardott plans to spend more time traveling and with family. She expresses confidence in the finance department's future but admits it will be strange not to check emails or work on projects. Above all, she will miss the people she has worked with over the years.