Valerie Covey, County Commissioner for Williamson County, joined us for this week’s episode of Life In Accounting: The Where Accountants Go podcast
A Chance Conversation
Covey shares how a conversation with a high school teacher helped to shape her decision to enter the field of accounting. She went to Schreiner College and enjoyed basketball immensely before transferring and graduating from the University of Texas in Austin. After graduating from the University of Texas and obtaining her CPA, Valerie’s first post-college job was in auditing with Ernst & Whinney (which later became Ernst & Young).
Early Career and Life Path
During the next six years, Valerie worked her way into a management position. Valerie and her husband Mark then started a family. Valerie stayed home to raise the kids, but kept her CPA license active during this period. The Covey family moved to Georgetown, and in 2003, Valerie took a part-time position with a CPA firm (which quickly turned into a full-time position) working for Tom and Linda McDaniel.
From Accounting to Politics
In 2003, Tom decided to run for County Commissioner and Valerie was his Campaign Manager. Tom won the election, and then with Tom’s encouragement Valerie ran for District Clerk in 2006.
A week before the primary Tom passed away. Valerie lost the race for District Clerk, but she was okay with this because she was available to work with Linda and help her through the next busy season in Tom’s absence.
Valerie was then asked to run for Tom’s position as County Commissioner. She won the election and has since served in that capacity. Valerie is currently a full-time commissioner and she keeps her CPA license as well.
A Public Servant’s Passion and Lessons
Thinking about exploring politics? Valerie offers some words of wisdom:
- It may be helpful to run first for city or county office before running for state or federal office.
- Keep in mind that the political environment can be brutal. People don’t trust government, which means that integrity is the most important trait you can possess (which of course is vital for all CPAs!). Communication is also very important. If you don’t tell people what is happening, the void is filled with inaccurate information.
- Valerie finds helping people, trying to restore trust in government, getting to know lots of people, and learning about numerous topics very rewarding. This experience has helped her improve her skills. The bottom line for Valerie is the chance to make a difference.
Valerie’s final thoughts: Being in politics requires that she pulls from her accounting skills to be successful. Get your certification. It opens doors and provides opportunities.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS
