In his new position at Sunflower Diversified Services, Bernie Jamieson of Ellinwood knows he must focus on budgetary matters but wants to always keep his eye on the big picture too.
As the new chief financial officer, Jamieson understands the big picture for him and his colleagues is “to serve the clients and the community.”
Sunflower serves children and adults with intellectual disabilities and delays in central Kansas.
“I wanted to be in a position to help people and I found it,” said Jamieson, a Barton County native. “I want to feel like I am giving back, not only to clients but to society in general. I thought this would be a good time for different challenges and to fulfill the personal goal of giving back.”
During Jamieson’s visits with department directors and other employees, he has noticed a spirit of cooperation.
“I realized early on that everybody here wants to do the right thing for clients,” he explained. “They want to do a good job; they are here for the right reasons.
“In addition,” he continued, “staff members tackle their own jobs and help their co-workers with theirs. They know we are all in this together and they do a terrific job. It’s all hands on deck.”
Jamieson also has been impressed with the number and quality of Sunflower’s services.
“It is amazing how many programs and services we offer clients,” he commented. “But everyone still wants to enhance current services and expand in new directions.”
Jamieson’s official responsibilities include: tracking the cash flow and finances of the agency; working with state agencies and other entities on grant funding; ensuring Sunflower is in full compliance with all state and federal regulations; helping some clients and guardians with budgeting; and performing other administrative tasks.
“I will always keep cost effectiveness in mind as I do my job,” Jamieson said. “We will operate within our budget and be good stewards of tax dollars and private donations.”
Jamieson noted that his professional background includes positions that were a “great training ground for what I am doing here.”
The new CFO held positions at three local companies. Titles included vice president of accounting/finance; staff accountant; quality assurance manager; and senior cost accountant.
Jamieson earned an associate’s degree in May 1988 at Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration, with an accounting major, in 1994 at Kansas State University.
Past public service includes serving as a Great Bend Zoological Society board member and ElderCare Inc. board secretary. His parents live in Great Bend.
Jon Prescott, Sunflower executive director, said “we are so excited to have Bernie on board and part of our team. As a non-profit service provider for more than 52 years, it is critical that we are good stewards of limited resources.
“Bernie has incredible expertise in accounting and financial management,” Prescott added. “His skills will help Sunflower achieve the highest levels of ethics, integrity and good stewardship.”
Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 53rd year.
