NASACT Executive Director Kinney Poynter Announces Retirement

Lexington, KY – The National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers (NASACT) has announced the retirement of its longtime executive director, Kinney Poynter, effective March 31, 2025. Josh Winfrey, the current deputy executive director and member of the executive committee, will work closely with Poynter during the transition and will officially take over as executive director on April 1, 2025. 

Poynter, who has been with NASACT since 1989, became the executive director in 2003. Throughout his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in addressing various challenges within governmental financial management and has witnessed significant industry changes.  

“It has been an honor to be a part of the NASACT family for so long and to represent our members and their interests throughout the years. We’ve addressed many challenges along the way, and I look forward to the continued success of the association under Josh’s leadership,” stated Poynter. 

Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf, the current NASACT president, praised Poynter's unwavering commitment to the association and intergovernmental cooperation, saying, “Kinney will be greatly missed by the NASACT community. On behalf of all NASACT’s members, I thank him for his service.”  

Poynter has been a tireless advocate for government accountability, transparency, efficiency, and intergovernmental collaboration. Most recently, he has played a key role in coordinating efforts among federal, state, and local officials to provide oversight for unprecedented levels of pandemic-era funding. 

Georgia State Auditor Greg Griffin, the immediate past president of NASACT, noted, “NASACT is such a respected voice of authority, fairness, and accountability in large part because of Kinney’s contributions and his ability to adeptly steer a disparate group of state-level officials with such a vast array of responsibilities and interests. His retirement gives us all an opportunity to pause and reflect on his many accomplishments on behalf of the association.” 

In recognition of his exceptional leadership, Poynter was awarded the William R. Snodgrass Distinguished Leadership Award by the National State Auditors Association (NSAA) in June 2024. He is widely regarded as a national speaker and technical expert on an expanding array of issues. 

Deputy Director Josh Winfrey expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Poynter, stating, “I am thankful I’ve had the opportunity to work at NASACT for several years under Kinney’s leadership. Working together with our dedicated team and NASACT’s leaders, I am confident we can continue his legacy of excellence.”