Expert Spotlight: Nora Cavazos
A 32-year career at BPUB earned Nora C. Cavazos some of the greatest learning experiences: respect, honesty, openness and humility. Cavazos is currently one of BPUB’s longest-tenured employees, and she takes pride in sharing how years of experiences have placed her where she stands today.
Cavazos began her career at BPUB in 1987. After a decade of working in various administrative positions in the Electrical Division, she was transferred to the Finance Division to assist BPUB’s former chief financial officer with administrative duties. It was during that time that she decided to take the next step in her career.
“During that time, I challenged myself to learn as much as the other accounting managers, but I also learned that with a college degree I would be able to advance my career,” Cavazos said. “Therefore, I decided to go back to school to obtain my Bachelor’s of Business Administration, majoring in accounting.”
On Dec. 14, 2015, she became Treasury & Accounting Support Services Manager and now oversees the Accounts Payable, Payroll, and the Cash & Investments of BPUB.
One of her biggest achievements at BPUB is being part of the Finance Division and contributing to the success of achieving the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 12th consecutive year.
“As a manager, I’m very grateful to my outstanding Accounting & Finance staff who work hard every day assisting BPUB achieve high standards, which is reflected in this highest level of financial reporting for the citizens of Brownsville,” Cavazos said.
During her time at BPUB, the Finance Department has also been awarded the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 11 consecutive years.
With all the challenges of the past and of those ahead, Cavazos says hard work, extensive experiences and great customer service skills with a professional attitude are necessary to succeed. One of her inspirations was BPUB CFO Leandro Garcia.
“He has provided me with the knowledge and great leadership roles, which motivated me to work harder to achieve my goals,” she said.
Cavazos wants younger generations to know that everyone can make a difference regardless of his or her skills and abilities. She was able to work a full-time job, get married, have children and earn a bachelor’s degree simultaneously.
“I love working at BPUB,” she said. “BPUB has provided me support and guidance to be able to excel at my career, and I’m very grateful for that.”
After retirement, Cavazos will continue making memories with her family: barbecues on Sundays, travel to Mexico and continued participation as an active member of the International Christian Church.