Author: Jerry Higgins
RALEIGH -- North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Controller Tara Williams-Brown is the recipient the 2023 State Controller’s Fiscal Integrity Award. Tara was selected from every state agency, including the colleges and universities, and announced during the 2023 Office of State Controller Financial Conference, held virtually on Dec. 13-14.
Tara was presented the award on Dec. 15 at the NCDAC Controller’s Office in Raleigh.
“Tara Williams-Brown is the controller of one of the largest state agencies with a budget greater than $2 billion,” said State Controller Nels Roseland in announcing the award. “Mrs. Williams-Brown has risen through the ranks of accounting positions within state government over a career spanning more than 20 years. Her career has exemplified ethical practices, fiscal integrity, fairness, and outstanding service to the citizens of the state. She guides herself by the motto, ‘It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit.’”
The award is presented to a state employee or agency that has demonstrated a record of exemplary adherence to the ethical principles of fiscal integrity, worked to sustain open government, and has an earned reputation for fairness and service to the citizens of the state, according to the State Controller’s Office.
“It is an honor to be nominated and selected,” Tara said. “This award is a result of the great staff I have here at the Department of Adult Correction. Everything we do involves working with other divisions and staffers at NCDAC. This award would have never been given to me if not for the staff here at NCDAC.”
Tara has spent time as the controller of two of North Carolina’s largest cabinet agencies, the Department of Public Safety and NCDAC. Like others, she moved over to the state’s newest cabinet agency in January 2023 and dealt with starting a new agency, transitioning a new accounting structure, and implementing the new North Carolina Financial System (NCFS) in just nine months.
“We endured some difficult times in 2023, but I have an outstanding group that has excelled in implementing NCFS and working to create the new agency,” Tara said.
NCDAC Chief Financial Officer Anthony O. Vann said, “I can’t think of a more deserving person for this award. Tara is truly dedicated to what she does and her team. I have seen her work tirelessly over the last year to make sure that the standing up of a new agency, as well as a new financial system, went seamlessly. I am elated to see her recognized for her efforts.”