Sherwin Burman was named chief financial officer of the Jacksonville Airport Authority last month after serving as interim CFO for four months.
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN DUTIES?
“I’m getting involved in a whole bunch of aspects and I’m learning a lot. I’m responsible for finance and accounting. Right now we’re going through the annual audit. People in the office have been working non-stop; it’s crunch time. But a number of things don’t stop. We still have board meetings and the day-to-day stuff to deal with. I work with everyone, whether directly or indirectly. I’m working with the engineers, planners, the chief administrative officer. I meet weekly with [Executive Director John] Clark to discuss where we’re at and where we’re going. I’m only as good as the people I work with and people here work extremely hard.”
POST SEPT. 11 OUTLOOK
When JIA split from the port last year, it had to deal with being a new organization along with the consequences of the Sept.11 terrorist attacks. “We’re still digging ourselves out from Sept. 11 and still trying to get caught up. Hopefully, we can be better prepared for next year.” Burman adds that JAA is finally finding time to look at itself as a new organization. “It takes a period of time before you start to feel confident in a new job. We’re setting our goals. We want to be one of the most secure airports in the country.”
DO YOU ENJOY YOUR JOB?
“I’m really getting into it. My goal is to make a contribution and help improve the operation to make things easier for everyone else. I’ve always liked a challenge.”
WHAT OTHER THINGS HAs he DONE?
A certified public accountant, Burman had his own accounting and consulting firms, worked as an expert witness and has been a consultant and interim finance director for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. He’s also taught training classes for professionals and served as executive vice president for a national importing and exporting firm.
WHERE is he FROM?
Burman is from Philadelphia. He has been in Jacksonville since 1976 when he transferred with Deloitte & Touche.
EDUCATION
Burman attended Penn State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is still active as an alumni member and served as the treasurer for the Penn State Club for three years. He’ll be rooting for his alma mater at the Capital One Bowl, in Orlando.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
“My wife and I love to dance,” said Burman, who recommends the Sea Turtle Inn and Champs at the Sawgrass Marriott as the places to go. Burman and his wife Sandi have two sons, one daughter and three grandsons, who they try to visit as often as possible. “We recently took a family vacation in Captiva. We all spent a week together at the beach, fishing and boating. It was so nice to get together.”
— by Bailey White