Kristy Vienne, Ed.D., associate vice chancellor, Finance and Administration and chief financial officer for Lone Star College System, originally planned to become a corporate attorney but decided to pursue finance after taking a job at Edward Jones. The switch led to a remarkable career in finance, prompting numerous accolades, including being named one of the top CFOs in Houston by the Houston Business Journal (HBJ).
“Finance itself has always attracted me because of the strategic impact it has on an organization. I love working with others to solve problems, come up with creative and beneficial solutions, and most of all, help people,” said Vienne. “I am completely honored to be recognized by the Houston Business Journal, especially given the distinguished financial leaders that are among the nominees, and by my colleagues at Lone Star College System.”
HBJ’s inaugural CFO Awards highlight the top finance officers who work tirelessly to manage every aspect of their company’s financials. The 30 honorees, including Vienne, will be celebrated at a luncheon on July 23 at the River Oaks Country Club.
“Lone Star College System continues to grow and advance under Dr. Vienne’s leadership,” said Valerie Kot, LSC senior associate vice chancellor, Financial Reporting and Operations and deputy CFO. “Dr. Vienne leads the institution’s financial system with strategic measures to ensure the institution has access to the latest services and resources to support all employees and students.”
Vienne, who has 27 years of experience working in higher education, knows that finance isn’t just about numbers; it’s about making mission-driven decisions that shape lives and communities. At LSCS, she oversees a $516 million budget and various other aspects including forecasting and budgeting, governmental relations, treasury, financial reporting, payroll, procurement, supply management, accounts payable, real estate, student financial services and auxiliary services. Vienne has spent the last two years at Lone Star College System working to rebuild processes that better support student success while saving personnel costs, man-hours and time for the college community.
“I love being a CFO more than I imagined I would. I am especially blessed to work for Lone Star College System, where financial decisions directly support student success through responsible, value-oriented and strategic resource management,” said Vienne. “Every day, I am inspired to do my best because I understand that what my amazing team and I do has a ripple effect. It can open doors to new programs, expand access for underrepresented students and improve the overall educational experience.”
Before LSCS, Vienne worked for 17 years in several key administrative and finance positions at Sam Houston State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management and a Master of Arts in Student Counseling and Personnel Services from Northwestern State University, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from SHSU.
“A career in finance is hard work but is very rewarding. However, to be effective, you have to be collaborative; this is as much a people job as a finance job,” said Vienne. “As I continue to work in higher education, I would love to see more students earn degrees in accounting and finance and chart their paths toward a fulfilling, stable and financially beneficial career.”
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.