JACKSON, Miss. — Reformed Theological Seminary is pleased to announce that Jessica R. Short has been hired as Chief Financial Officer, effective October 24, 2022, following the September 27 meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.
As CFO, Short will be responsible for all business and financial operations, organizational sustainability, and liquidity management at RTS, serving as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and an ex-officio member of the Chancellor’s Council. She will also oversee the seminary’s finance and human resources teams.
Short has extensive background in accounting. No stranger to the Jackson area, she comes to the seminary from Belhaven University, where she has worked as Controller since 2017. Previously, she served as senior manager of the audit division at BKD, LLP (now FORVIS, LLP) in Jackson. Her other past experiences include a position as senior auditing accountant in the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor, where she led audits of various state agencies.
“We are delighted to welcome Jessica Short into the RTS family as our new CFO,” said Chancellor Ligon Duncan. “Jessica’s experience and expertise in Christian higher education, her work ethic and humility, and her Christian faith and character, will make her a valuable and trustworthy member of the RTS senior leadership team. I am looking forward to serving alongside Jessica during this important and exciting time in the history of this institution.”
Short is an alumna of Millsaps College, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. She went on to become the 2003 Outstanding Master of Accountancy Graduate of Millsaps’s Else School of Management and earn her licensure as a Certified Public Accountant.
“We are very excited to welcome Jessica to Reformed Theological Seminary. Given that my Provost responsibilities partially involve maintaining RTS’ accreditation, I am especially delighted that Jessica has experience in this area. Having a new CFO who already understands what financial information the accreditors require is a real plus,” said Provost and Chief Academic Officer Robert Cara.
“In the current state of our nation, the preparation and growth of godly leaders is imperative to our survival,” Short said. “This is why the mission of Reformed Theological Seminary is so essential. I am honored and excited RTS has chosen me to assist their mission by ensuring the financial resources provided by God are committed to furthering the institution and its mission in the most efficient and effective manner.”
STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT
“We are excited that Jessica Short will serve as Reformed Theological Seminary’s new CFO. She brings a breadth and depth of experience that will greatly benefit RTS in the years ahead. Jessica is a great addition to our leadership team.” — Richard L. Ridgway, Chairman, RTS Board of Trustees
***
“As a member of the board’s Finance Committee and an accountant myself, I know firsthand how important it is to have competent, reliable leaders in place when it comes to finances. I am confident that Jessica Short will fulfill her duties as CFO with excellence, leading RTS with integrity and faithfulness in the years ahead.” — Roderick S. Russ III, Member, RTS Board of Trustees
***
“Jessica’s strengths are not just her knowledge and professionalism. She also excels at communicating difficult-to-understand financial results to faculty, staff, and executive teams. Jessica is a role model for those around her as she leads with maturity, faith, and knowledge.” — David Tarrant, Vice President for Business and Finance/CFO, Dallas Theological Seminary
***
“Jessica will be a strong addition to the solid administrative leadership of RTS. She is committed to the highest standard of stewardship that has assured we get the best value from every dollar God entrusts to us at Belhaven University. She also has the financial management and audit background that will bless the work of the seminary.” — Dr. Roger Parrott, President, Belhaven University