Title: Deputy Director
Firm: Office of the Controller, City of Houston
Age: 30
For Vernon Lewis, his work in the Houston controller's office is a way to "pay it forward" in his hometown.
"The muni market was a calling for me," he said. "It was something where I can finally give my expertise and help my city as a whole, as well as the taxpayers."
30-year-old Vernon is the youngest assistant director of the treasury division in the city's history and is charged with helping oversee a nearly $15 billion debt portfolio and a $5.2 billion investment portfolio, according to Houston Controller Chris Brown.
"I'm proud to join other leaders in public finance in celebrating Vernon's historic achievement," Brown said in a statement.
Vernon said he joined the controller's office after working on Brown's successful 2015 election campaign and was a senior treasury analyst before his recent promotion to assistant director. He previously worked for the Houston mayor's office for international trade and development.
After studying international business and accounting at what is now Houston Christian University, Vernon said he obtained an MBA in finance and has since become a certified public manager and certified public funds investment manager and is working toward a financial modeling and valuation designation.
"Finance and accounting — that's just my wheelhouse," he said. "I love numbers."
He said he spends time in the Houston community explaining Houston's finances to groups. To unwind from the stresses of his job, Vernon plays piano and paints.
"Going to my house and playing the piano is therapeutic for me," he said. "It's a good calming mechanism that I love."
