TCU Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Brian Gutierrez remembers working with his father pumping gas at a gas station during the summer. While his friends spent their free time playing outside, Gutierrez’s father taught him life lessons like hard work and the importance of serving people.

Lessons well taught, as Gutierrez was awarded Fort Worth Business Press’ CFO of the Year award Wednesday for his contributions to the university and Tarrant County. Gutierrez was awarded CFO of the Year under the education category.

According to an article in the Fort Worth Business Press, Gutierrez was recognized for his perseverance and creativity in approaching tasks and solving problems which steered the university into a visionary future.

According to the university’s website, some of Gutierrez’s many responsibilities as CFO include financial and capital planning, building maintenance and non-residence custodial services, facilities planning and landscaping and grounds. Projects such as the remodeling of several facilities on campus and the rebuilding of the Amon G. Carter Stadium have been overseen by Gutierrez.

In his acceptance speech, Gutierrez said he was humbled by the honor and thanked his father for being his hero and inspiration.

He also credited his success to the leadership and teamwork of all his colleagues at the university and said he accepted the award on behalf of them.

“There is a statement that I’m beginning to see and that is- it’s not really the CFO, it’s the great organizations that the CFO has had the fortune of working for,” he said. “I’ve got the most amazing group of people that I get to work with on a daily basis both in the financial areas and education areas, the folks who run the university from top to bottom.”

Chancellor Victor Boschini nominated Gutierrez for the CFO of the Year award.

Many notable figures were in attendance at the event including the Fort Worth mayor Betsy Price and Texas State Senator Wendy Davis.

Davis said it was special to acknowledge individuals whose efforts benefitted the community. Davis, who has a particular affinity for the university as a former Horned Frog, also said the university’s achievements made the community proud.

“TCU gives us all something to celebrate in our community,” she said. “It’s the symbol of community pride for Fort Worth. Without it, we would be defined very differently as a city.”

Eight other local CFOs were recognized under various categories at the third annual luncheon which took place at the Fort Worth Club.