Like our previous Essential Texan Dan Maxwell, this month's spotlight is on another state employee (recently retired!) who has worked in a variety of capacities at several different agencies.
Suzy Whittenton is recently retired from her most recent position of Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and began her first term as a board member for TPEA on September 1, 2025.
Suzy, tell us about your background.
I have worked for 6 different agencies over the past 38 years, all in a financial or administrative role. I have served as a Chief Financial Officer for small, medium, and large agencies, as well as serving as the Director of Administration at the Governor’s Office and the Director of Fiscal Management (a statewide/agencywide position) at the State Comptroller’s Office.
What is a common misconception about state employees that you'd like to dispel?
Public perception that government employees are lazy and inefficient is not what I have experienced in my career. Most of the people I have worked with have been intelligent, very hard working, and they care about doing the right thing for the citizens.
What helped you decide that state employment was the best choice for your career path?
I love financial work and there is no better place than state government to manage large budgets and cash flow. The state’s budget for the current biennium is nearly $334 Billion. My position at the Comptroller’s Office was responsible for monitoring all agency appropriations and financial reporting at the state level. The state’s financial report must be audited by the State Auditor. It is critical that the state’s financial statements are accurate and transparent because a clean audit builds confidence with citizens and directly supports stronger bond ratings.
Is there a particular project that you worked on that you felt directly benefitted the citizens of Texas?
At DPS, the work to secure the Texas-Mexico border was a major effort for the agency spanning over 10 years. This important task helped to prevent drug trafficking, human smuggling and organized crime from entering the state. I played a part in obtaining adequate funding for the operations and managing and reporting on the outcome.
Suzy Whittenton (third from right) with the 2025-2026 TPEA Board of Directors
What gives you the most pride on your career with the state?
State government work is very rewarding because it provides the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. It is about stewardship and service. The employees of the state are servant leaders doing what they can to make the lives of our citizens better and ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and effectively for the benefit of the citizens.
What's next for you?
I am no longer in state government, but I am working as a consultant on the re-write of the state’s accounting system, so I am still connected to state government finance. I am also a retiree who is passionate about the future of our pensions.
Last, why is it important to be a TPEA member and volunteer?
TPEA is a professional organization, as opposed to a union. TPEA protects agency employees’ and retirees’ benefits. TPEA provides a collective voice and support system for those who have dedicated their careers to public service.
Suzy, we're so grateful not just for your support of TPEA, but for your long time service to the state of Texas. You are truly an Essential Texan!
