Dear Hiring Committee,

The machinery of any enduring political movement runs on the unglamorous but vital fuel of sound accounting. I am writing to apply for the Finance Director position at the Democratic Socialists of America. As a licensed, retired Certified Public Accountant, I bring the technical rigor necessary to steward the DSA’s financial operations. Beyond the numbers, however, I bring a foundational belief in the work itself—a steadfast commitment to pro-worker action, public goods, and the democratization of our economy.

An effective Finance Director does more than simply tally the ledgers; they act as a translator, turning the dense prose of financial data into clear, actionable strategy for the Budget and Finance Committee and the National Political Committee. In my ongoing work managing reserve policies, cash flow forecasting, and collections as CFO for the Blue Lake Springs Homeowners Association, I have cultivated a track record of doing exactly this: designing precise internal controls, managing liquidity, and clearly communicating financial realities to governing boards. Furthermore, my tenure in Washington, D.C., as a financial reporting manager for the National Restaurant Association offered a front-row education in the mechanics of corporate influence. I understand how the other side of the aisle operates.

This role, of course, extends beyond the architecture of audits and general ledgers. It requires equipping the staff and the volunteer chapter treasurers on the ground. It is here that my background as a graduate student at DePaul University and my work as a teacher within the Chicago Public Schools serve as critical assets. I know how to instruct. I am equipped to distill complex financial protocols into accessible, effective training resources for grassroots organizers. In a multi-tendency activist organization, robust internal controls and transparent accounting are not mere administrative hurdles; they are the essential armor that protects and empowers the mission.

Though I am rooted in Chicago, I am fully prepared to manage the DSA’s national financial systems, oversee the Grants program, and serve as the central audit liaison. I welcome the opportunity to apply my background in financial oversight, GAAP compliance, and non-profit administration to ensure the DSA’s financial foundation remains solid, allowing its vital organizing efforts to thrive.