A passion for numbers led Chris Hiatt to a career in school business.

Fifteen years ago, she was an undergraduate finance major when she accepted an internship at Keygent, a company that provides strategic and technical municipal advisory services to California school districts. Before that, she’d never considered school business.

“I don’t think anyone really thinks of municipal bonds as their dream in college,” Hiatt laughs.

But as she learned more, she came to appreciate both the challenges and opportunities of school business.

“There’s a huge focus on numbers in my job; you really have to be a quantitative expert because we advise on multimillion dollar financings – general obligation bonds, leases – that can easily exceed hundreds of millions of dollars,” says Hiatt. “But as the role evolves, it’s all about personal relationships.”

Now a managing director at Keygent, Hiatt knows that the numbers matter because they impact people. Behind every dollar sign are human stakeholders: students, staff, educators and taxpayers. Understanding their needs and concerns is key to designing financing options that are both fiscally responsible and civically grounded.

“Bond measures are addressing really dire school facilities needs that the current funding environment doesn’t,” says Hiatt, noting the record number of bond measures on last November’s ballots. “I walked through one very, very old high school that had just one outlet for an entire classroom. With our help and the overwhelming support of its community, that district passed its first-ever bond measure and is now able to upgrade the school. It’s very rewarding.”

The need for community investment in schools is also personally meaningful to Hiatt, a resident of the Clovis Unified School District and parent of two current students.

“Keygent has advised on multiple bond measures that are part of Clovis USD’s strategic plan – they help my kids, their classrooms and my community,” she says. “And I’m paying the tax, so it’s in my personal best interest to make sure they’re getting the best advice possible.”

Hiatt brings that mindset to her work with clients throughout California – and to her involvement with CASBO. She has attended the CABSO Annual Conference & California School Business Expo for nearly 15 years, and the CASBO CBO Symposium is one of her favorite events of the year.

“It’s great to see new faces and get to know people better,” Hiatt says. “We typically host a Keygent dinner for our school district clients and it’s a wonderful way to build long-term relationships.”

About two years ago, Hiatt joined CASBO’s Associate Member Committee. “It’s really been eye-opening,” Hiatt says. “I was unaware of all the things CASBO has to offer to not only school districts, but associate members as well. CASBO really listens to its members and takes our suggestions seriously.”