Education and Professional Experience
John Ranson
Candidate for Board of County Commissioners, District 1
The next County Commissioner representing District 1 must be an individual who possesses the varied skills and experience to lead Archuleta County into recovery from current financial and economic difficulties. John Ranson’s education and professional background, together with his lifetime work experience, make him uniquely qualified to serve his fellow citizens in Archuleta County on the Board of County Commissioners.
John attended the University of Kansas and graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in finance. After graduating from Wichita State University, John was employed by the investment firm Smith Barney in Denver, Colorado. During his tenure with Smith Barney, he successfully completed the Certified Financial Planner program and earned the CFP designation.
John returned to Wichita, Kansas in 1983, when he had the opportunity to enter the field of public finance. The scope of John’s career in public finance encompassed a broad field that included analyzing the financial structure and financial soundness of towns, cities, counties, school districts, hospital districts and pubic utilities. His analytical skills were essential when providing professional financial advice to public entities and assisting them in securing financing thru the issuance of bonds. He also managed three mutual funds related to public finance; The Kansas Municipal Fund, The Kansas Insured Municipal Fund and the Nebraska Municipal Fund—total assets managed were 180 million dollars ($180,000,000). John became the Chief Executive Officer of Ranson Capital Corporation in 1989 and held that position until January, 1996, when Ranson Capital Corporation was sold to ND Holdings. ND Holdings purchased all the outstanding common stock of Ranson Capital Corporation, including the corporate name. John moved to Pagosa Springs with his family in June, 1996. Some of John’s responsibilities while associated with Ranson Capital Corporation are outlined below.
Public Finance—Ranson Capital Corporation (RCC)
- Responsible for reviewing all bond underwriting for RCC
- Advised towns, cities, counties, school districts and hospital districts
- Acted as advisor to the State of Kansas and structured a roads plan for the state
- Analyzed municipalities for creditworthiness for bond issues
Mutual Fund Manager
- Responsible for debt analysis for portfolio bond holdings and purchases
- Responsible to the funds Boards of Directors
- Responsible for all compliance mandated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission
- Developed a computer software program to accurately price securities
Chief Executive Officer—Ranson Capital Corporation (RCC)
- Responsible for developing and updating three year financial plans
- Responsible for developing and monitoring annual and three year budgets
- Provided leadership, support and supervision for all RCC department heads and staff
- Conducted regular reviews and analysis of the RCC accounting department
John’s lifetime work experience continued after relocating to Pagosa Springs in 1996 and includes his involvement with The Plaza at Aspen Village. The Plaza at Aspen Village is an example of responsible growth providing economic opportunities and jobs for our citizens. The Plaza project required John to interact with various governmental entities.
The Plaza at Aspen Village
- Worked with the Town of Pagosa Springs planning department since 1999
- Created the first Planned Unit Development in Pagosa Springs
- Responsible for finances and planning for the project
John was selected to serve as a member of the Citizens’ Financial Task Force (CFTF). The CFTF was born out of the County’s financial crisis which erupted in April of 2007. John’s extensive background and experience in public finance, especially his analytical skills, have proven invaluable to the citizens of Archuleta County. His primary work on the CFTF has centered on the County Treasurer’s Office and the exhaustive examination of their records. John accomplished the following as a member of the CFTF:
Citizens’ Financial Task Force
- Developed a cash flow model for use by the CFTF in making recommendations
- Was the primary liaison from the CFTF to the County Treasurer’s Office
- Had direct involvement and input in our County’s 2008 budget
- Reviewed Archuleta County’s annual audits dating back to 1999
John has unquestionable skills and experience in the field of finance, specifically public finance. He has also demonstrated skills in management, planning and leadership, all with integrity. John exhibited a desire to make our County a better place to live by volunteering his time and skills when they were most needed. John believes that by working together we can find solutions to our County’s current problems and ensure that Archuleta County realizes its great potential.
TOGETHER WE CAN!
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“There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” —Denis Waitley