
Title: Retired Public Accountant and Finance Professional
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas, United States
Rosie Vela, Retired, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Government Finance.
Ms. Vela is recognized for his success and tenure in government finance, spanning more than four decades and marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence and public service. Having since retired in 2023 as a self-employed public accountant and financial professor at Rosie Vela, CPA, she was adept in all areas of the industry.
Before working for herself, Ms. Vela was the director of finance for the city of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, from 2022 to 2023. Her expertise in municipal finance was also demonstrated during her tenure as the city of Ingleside’s finance director in Ingleside, Texas, between 2014 and 2015. Among a range of responsibilities in the government sector, Ms. Vela excelled in overseeing various departments, managing payroll, accounts payable, budgeting and finance teams, preparing monthly financial reports, overseeing daily cash transactions and performing other daily tasks.
From 2012 to 2014, Ms. Vela contributed as a controller at Central Health, overseeing financial operations in the health care sector. She also served as a contracted interim director of finance for numerous cities throughout Texas through her practice, Rosie Vela, CPA, between 2008 and 2012.
Ms. Vela initially spent over two decades in local government, serving as the director of finance for the city of Corpus Christi, Texas, from 1985 to 1986, the city of Richardson, Texas, until 2006 and the city of San Marcos, Texas, until 2008. Her leadership in these roles was instrumental in achieving operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Vela served as the director of accounting at Spohn Hospital from 1983 to 1985. She began her professional journey as an auditor with Peat Marwick in 1981.
Ms. Vela’s educational journey began with an Associate of Science from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi in 1977. Subsequently, she received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration in finance and management from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 1979 and 1980, respectively. Ms. Vela’s credentials include being a certified public accountant since 1982 and a certified government finance officer through the Texas Municipal League since 1988. These qualifications have enabled Ms. Vela to excel in complex financial environments and provide expert guidance across multiple sectors.
Throughout her career, Ms. Vela has been an active member of the Government Finance Officers Association of Texas, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional development and industry standards. Her dedication extends beyond her professional life into extensive civic engagement. She volunteers with CHRISTUS Health and serves as the president of its volunteer association. As a member of the board of directors for the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Foundation, Ms. Vela supports educational initiatives and scholarship programs. Additionally, her involvement with St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church includes participation in various service projects that benefit both parishioners and the broader community.
On a personal level, Ms. Vela is dedicated to mentoring others within her field. She finds great satisfaction in helping colleagues advance their careers, most notably guiding an accounting manager into a leadership role during her final tenure as the finance director.
In light of her contributions, Ms. Vela has been recognized with several honors, including the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi College of Business Alumni Excellence Award in 2015 and repeated recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association for outstanding achievement in governmental financial reporting.
Growing up as the youngest of 10 siblings in Corpus Christi, Ms. Vela was influenced by a family deeply committed to community service, as many of her relatives pursued careers in health care or law enforcement. While she chose a path in finance rather than clinical work, this environment instilled in her a strong sense of civic duty that has guided her throughout her career.
Looking ahead, Ms. Vela remains committed to serving her community through continued volunteer work at CHRISTUS Health and through ongoing involvement with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Foundation scholarship programs. She values opportunities to connect with students whose lives are impacted by these scholarships. Ms. Vela’s legacy is defined by expertise in government finance, unwavering dedication to public service and a passion for empowering others within her profession and community.
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