PACC Quarterly Membership Luncheon - October 2025

Embracing the Emotion of Fear and Charging Forward
Featuring Carri L. Brown, PhD, MBA, CGF - Fairfield County Auditor

This talk delves into the role of fear in business decision-making, advocating for a balanced approach that acknowledges and utilizes this emotion constructively. It emphasizes that fear, when recognized and understood, can provide valuable insights into potential risks and opportunities.

• By integrating emotional intelligence and rational analysis, leaders can transform fear from a paralyzing force into a guiding tool, leading to more informed and confident decisions.
• The presentation encourages embracing fear as a natural part of the decision-making process, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.
• The concepts are useful in all parts of life for business owners and leaders who are taking on multiple roles.

Carri L. Brown, PhD, MBA, CGF
Fairfield County Auditor

Carri L. Brown, Ph.D., has built a distinguished career of more than 35 years in leadership roles across human services, financial management, and county administration. Appointed County Auditor in 2021 and elected the following year, she has emphasized the honor of serving in the very office where she began her public service career, drafting the county’s first annual comprehensive financial report. A Certified Government Financial Manager, she has received multiple financial reporting achievement awards from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. Her academic background includes a BBA and MBA from Ohio University, where she was named Outstanding Alumna of the Year in 2022, as well as a Ph.D. in Organizational Management, with research focused on organizational citizenship behavior and job satisfaction. She also holds a certificate in Business Sustainability Strategy from Harvard University and is recognized internationally as a thought leader in government finance, organizational management, and public service.

Throughout her career, Brown has been a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to serve as both Child Support Director and County Administrator in Fairfield County. She has overseen budgets exceeding $220 million, secured and managed more than $160 million in grants, and led major construction projects—including a $34 million county jail—on time and under budget. She guided the creation of the county’s first strategic plan, established its first workforce development center, and directed pandemic-related initiatives, managing over $8 million in CARES Act funds to support local organizations and businesses. Her leadership has garnered more than 60 state and national awards, including the Athena Award for leadership and multiple honors from state, national, and professional organizations. Most recently, in 2025, she was recognized with the Government Finance Officers Association Excellence in Government Achievement Award and the Ohio University Outstanding Community Partner Award, cementing her legacy as an innovative, service-driven leader.

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