YORK COUNTY, SC — York County leadership and Rock Hill Schools have officially announced a major transition in local governance. Kevin Madden, CPA, the current York County Assistant Manager, has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer for Rock Hill Schools, with his new tenure set to begin on March 3rd.
Madden leaves behind a distinguished 10-year career in York County, where he served as Treasurer, CFO, and Assistant County Manager. His departure marks the end of a period of significant fiscal strengthening for the county, though his move to the school district ensures his expertise remains within the community.
A Legacy of Fiscal Integrity
During his time with York County, Madden navigated the financial complexities of a region that has ballooned to nearly 300,000 residents. Managing an annual budget of $450 million and overseeing more than 1,300 employees, his leadership was defined by long-term sustainability and transparency.
Key achievements under Madden’s stewardship include:
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Top-Tier Credit: Achieving an AAA general obligation bond rating, reflecting disciplined management and clean audits.
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Debt Elimination: The successful removal of longstanding debt service taxes.
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“Pay-As-You-Go” Funding: Implementation of capital strategies that allowed for infrastructure and technology upgrades without new borrowing.
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Infrastructure Reserves: Creating the financial structures necessary to support the county’s rapid growth.
“York County benefited tremendously from the leadership, skill, and wealth of knowledge Kevin brought to his role,” said York County Manager Josh Edwards. “We are sad to see him depart York County but wish him all the best for his new role.”
Deep Roots in School Finance
While Madden is well known for his county-level work, he brings specialized experience to the Rock Hill Schools Superintendent’s Cabinet. Earlier in his career, he was an audit partner with Greene Finney Cauley, LLP, where he worked directly with school districts and local governments across South Carolina. This background provides him with a deep understanding of school-specific finance, accountability, and the importance of public transparency.
Madden, a Certified Public Accountant, holds both a Master of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Texas A&M University.
A Student-Centered Approach
As he prepares to join the Rock Hill Schools family, Madden is expected to apply a “student-centered” philosophy to the district’s coffers. His role will focus on aligning financial resources with educational priorities to directly support educators and staff.
“Madden will provide strategic financial leadership that supports student success and the district’s long-term sustainability,” Rock Hill Schools stated in their welcome announcement.
Madden will officially step into his new role on March 3rd, filling a critical seat in the district’s executive leadership.
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