Biography for Auditor of State Tim Berry
Under the leadership of Tim Berry, in late fall of 2009 Indiana successfully implemented a fully integrated financial system – the first of its kind for all of Indiana government, providing more efficient and transparent government. Additionally, Indiana’s annual financial reports have received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – the highest standard available - from the Government Finance Officers Association each year of Berry’s tenure as State Auditor. Berry’s initiatives in financial education and literacy have earned him recognition from the National Association of Government Defined Contribution plans. During his inauguration speech Berry said, “As Auditor we won’t often make headlines, but we will continue to listen – continue to lead – continue to make a difference for all Hoosiers”. This system transformed the ability of the public to see how their money is being spent through the Indiana Transparency Portal, which can be found at www.in.gov/itp. People can view items as diverse as employee salaries and local government financial records.
Prior to his election as State Auditor, Tim served two terms as Indiana’s Treasurer. In that role, Berry earned a record $1.7 billion for Hoosier taxpayers through the prudent investment of state dollars. Berry led the effort to obtain favorable legislation providing tax incentives for families saving for college through the CollegeChoice 529 plan. Through this 20% tax credit on contributions, more families will be financially prepared to meet the cost of higher education. Through his leadership as chair of the Wireless 911 Advisory Board, Indiana was recognized as a national leader for wireless 911 network technology.
Tim Berry’s leadership has been recognized by many in Indiana and across the country. Berry was awarded the 2005 Jesse Unruh award, given to the nation’s most outstanding state treasurer. Additionally, he was presented the 2003 Presidential Award of Excellence by the Association of Public Safety Officials, and the recipient of the American Heart Association’s “Heartsaver Award”. Berry served as President of the National Association of State Treasurers and Chair of the National College Savings Plans Network. His efforts led to recognition by the State of Israel Bonds in 2003 and the Indianapolis Business Journal recognized Tim with their “40 under 40” designation in 2000.
Tim and his wife Kim are both Fort Wayne natives and the parents of two sons, Ian a student at Cathedral High School and Colin a 5th grader in Lawrence Township school district. Kim serves as the state director for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Tim holds a degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University, and a MBA from Indiana University. A “hockey dad and lacrosse coach”, Tim is active in many organizations within the community.
