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By GFOA

Gain insight through research from the Government Finance Officers Association.
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Cybersecurity in Local Government: A Discussion of Enduring Issues and Contemporary COVID-19 Concerns

GFOAApr 15, 2020

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32:49
"Prepared to Manage Change"

"Prepared to Manage Change"

This podcast features a conversation with Francisco Ordaz. For Francisco, his challenges were an opportunity to find the beauty out of life and the silver lining of compassion found in simple acts of kindness. You will hear an immigrant’s story of financial struggle and perseverance.

Jan 20, 202301:05:43
"If We Don't Look Ahead, We Will Be Behind"

"If We Don't Look Ahead, We Will Be Behind"

This podcast features a conversation with Sơn Lê Hughes, chief financial officer of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District in Oregon. Sơn Lê grew up in Vietnam during the war that ravished her country. After a trying childhood, she boarded a plane for the West Coast of the United States to start a new journey. 

Jan 13, 202301:05:43
"Not the Way I Want to Grow Up"

"Not the Way I Want to Grow Up"

This episode features a conversation with Dean Rear, General Manager of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer with the Metro Vancouver Regional District. Growing up in Alberta at the foothills of the Rockies, on a mixed farm of crops and beef cattle, Dean describes his childhood as a “boy life” with miles of open space to ride dirt bikes and play hockey.

Jan 06, 202359:13
“Someone Will Take Note”

“Someone Will Take Note”

This podcast features a conversation with Brigitte Elke, Finance Director for the City of San Luis Obispo, California. Brigitte was born and raised in Switzerland with a strong connection to the land. At age 30, she relocated to America to work in advertising and media buying. When the dot-com bubble burst, she responded to an ad for a temp position in public finance. 

Dec 16, 202201:02:02
"The Gigi Voice"

"The Gigi Voice"

This podcast features a conversation with Dr. Kirene Bargas, Director of Finance & Administrative Services for the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District in Beaumont, California. Dr. Bargas grew up in Hawaii with the ocean right across the street. After high school, she relocated to Ohio looking for work and opportunities. During our conversation, she recounts a harrowing story of being held up at gunpoint and shares a survival outcome that will leave you breathless. After the trauma, she started a job that put her on a path to a 20+ year career in public finance.

Dec 09, 202201:02:19
"Give Yourself Grace"

"Give Yourself Grace"

This episode features a conversation with Amanda Klapperich, Finance Manager for the County of Rio Grande, Colorado. Amanda grew up in Wisconsin to hardworking parents and a pretty typical childhood. Her first attempt at college didn’t take and she found herself working a fast food job. At 21, she took a job as a corrections officer in the prison system. It wasn't until she was in her 30s that she realized that public finance was her intended career path.

Dec 02, 202244:34
“Best way to succeed…fully committed”

“Best way to succeed…fully committed”

This episode features a conversation with Kevin Bain, Debt Manager for the City of Detroit, Michigan. Kevin grew up in the suburbs of Detroit embracing his diverse community. Described by family as a fearless child, Kevin overcame an early speech impediment to excel in school in both academics and athletics. After college, Kevin worked on Wall Street, completed graduate school at Harvard, and went to work at World Bank. He eventually returned to his community in Detroit committed to tackling the issues of poverty and discrimination.

Nov 18, 202201:01:51
“Invited to the Table”

“Invited to the Table”

This episode features a conversation Lisa McCargar, Vice President of Finance and Administration for Golden State Natural Resources. Lisa grew up a shy child in Los Angeles to hardworking blue-collar parents. Money was tight, but that didn’t stop Lisa from dreaming big. Once she entered the workforce, success and opportunity came calling. Her early career included time at Arthur Andersen and in Hollywood working on studio budgets for some of the most successful movies of that time.

Nov 11, 202201:01:42
"Some Day...You'll be a Finance Director"

"Some Day...You'll be a Finance Director"

Rich Lee is the Finance Director for the City of San Mateo. Growing up in foggy south San Francisco, Rich had to develop a thick skin learning to navigate his parents' divorce as well as a genetic condition that made him a target to the insensitivity of cruel adolescents. Listen as Rich discusses his fascinating journey from wanting to be a musician, to pursuing a career in public finance.

Nov 04, 202201:01:57
The Financial Data Transparency Act: What GFOA Members Need to Know

The Financial Data Transparency Act: What GFOA Members Need to Know

Listen as Emily Brock, GFOA's Federal Liaison Center Director in Washington D.C., and Michele Mark Levine, GFOA's Technical Services Director, discuss how the Financial Data Transparency Act would be a costly and burdensome unfunded mandate.

Sep 22, 202217:00
Talking GAAP Update with GFOA's Michele Mark Levine

Talking GAAP Update with GFOA's Michele Mark Levine

GFOA's 2022 GAAP Update will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Listen as GFOA's Michele Mark Levine discusses this year's event and why you should attend. 

Aug 02, 202206:57
Introducing GFOA's Fundamentals Virtual Forum

Introducing GFOA's Fundamentals Virtual Forum

Want to invest in your advancement? GFOA’s Fundamentals Virtual Forum, July 11-15, is designed for new government finance staff who are either starting their career journey or transitioning to public finance from the private sector. Seven of the ten virtual forum sessions will be based on topics from GFOA's Certified Public Finance Officers (CPFO) program.

May 25, 202208:25
#TimeBackChallenge Podcast Series: Efficient Meetings with Dan Olivieri of the City of Maple Ridge
May 16, 202208:31
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 22, 2022

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 22, 2022

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Apr 27, 202223:12
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 8, 2022

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 8, 2022

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Apr 11, 202223:12
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - March 25, 2022

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - March 25, 2022

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Mar 25, 202245:20
WPFN Mentorship Month – Mentor and Mentee Spotlight
Feb 28, 202222:53
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - February 11, 2022

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - February 11, 2022

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Feb 14, 202248:40
"The Only Fallback is Me"

"The Only Fallback is Me"

Lisa Marie Harris, Director of Finance at the San Diego Water Authority joins us for episode eight of the podcast. Growing up in San Francisco as the eldest of seven kids, Lisa Marie speaks quite candidly about her experiences of being in a family of limited means.

Jan 07, 202201:03:16
"More an Accountant than a Politician"

"More an Accountant than a Politician"

Richard Sensenbrenner, Assistant Director of Accounting for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, joins us for episode seven of the podcast. Growing up in Troy, Ohio, Richard’s family dynamic centered on the notion that “serving the public was a noble deed.” While both parents took roles in serving their community, it was his grandfather Jack, that loomed the largest in his family’s story.

Dec 17, 202101:09:39
“You work until the job gets done”

“You work until the job gets done”

Our guest for episode six of the podcast is former GFOA president Nancy Zielke. Growing up in Southwest Michigan on 60 acres of farmland, Nancy is no stranger to getting up at 5 a.m. and working until the sun goes down. Balancing a career path that is firmly planted with success in both public and private organizations, Nancy acknowledges the many mentors who had a hand in shaping her professional growth as well as her personal drive to understand her community and help influence change for the better.

Dec 10, 202157:46
"See the products of my life improving my community"

"See the products of my life improving my community"

Our guest this week is Chris McCullion, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Orlando, Florida. Chris became CFO in his mid-30s. Our conversation touches on how that happened as well as how Chris and his team handled the enormous tragedy of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub Shooting.

Dec 03, 202159:51
“Open to the Opportunities”

“Open to the Opportunities”

Episode four of the podcast features a conversation with Jo Ann Giddings, Deputy Director of Financial Administration in the City of Aurora, Colorado. Growing up on her family farm along with her seven siblings, Jo Ann learned to be self-sufficient. With her daily chores around the farm and raising cattle, she developed a strong sense of “team work” and a community of neighbors leaning into each other for support.

Nov 19, 202143:02
“What do I have to lose?”

“What do I have to lose?”

Joining us for episode three is Ed Harrington from San Francisco, California. Born the youngest of five children, Ed’s childhood was marked by a tremendous amount of sadness with losing both parents by the time he was a teenager. Acknowledging that this “sets you back a bit,” Ed’s mother was able to impart a certain belief in humanity that stuck to Ed’s core and helped to shape him for the rest of his life.

Nov 12, 202154:24
“88 percent...that’s me!”

“88 percent...that’s me!”

Joining us this week is Veronica Carrillo with the City of San Antonio, Texas. Growing up on a block where the homes of her aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents were back door or down the street to one another, this tight knit family kept her centered and grounded. But as you’ll hear, there was one voice that rose above the rest and became her guiding compass, her father.

Nov 05, 202101:01:03
"I was dealt a certain hand"

"I was dealt a certain hand"

Our first guest is Michael Bryant, GFOA President and Deputy County Manager for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Michael’s difficult but inspirational story will remind you of the guiding hand of fate, when one is shown a different path forward by the generous soul of others.

Oct 29, 202101:05:49
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - September 17, 2021

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - September 17, 2021

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Sep 20, 202153:25
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - September 3, 2021

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - September 3, 2021

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Sep 09, 202147:53
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - June 11, 2021

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - June 11, 2021

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Jun 11, 202159:03
Catching Up with Former GFOA Executive Director Jeffrey Esser

Catching Up with Former GFOA Executive Director Jeffrey Esser

GFOA's John Fishbein recently spoke with Jeffrey Esser, GFOA Honorary Member and GFOA Executive Director/CEO from 1982 to 2017, about a variety of topics related to GFOA and government finance.

Jun 01, 202111:42
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - May 14, 2021

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - May 14, 2021

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

May 17, 202101:01:26
An Economy of Well-Being at the Local Level

An Economy of Well-Being at the Local Level

GFOA's Jake Kowalski recently spoke with Mark Anielski, a well-being economist with a background in local government, about a unique and practical approach to measuring well-being. Mark discusses his work helping government play a crucial role in measuring performance and progress in terms of well-being of mind, body, spirit and the natural environment.

Mark has worked with various municipal and provincial governments and advises the federal government of Canada on well-being-based budgeting. He is currently surveying northern and southern Ireland on residents’ perceptions of well-being.

May 05, 202123:49
A Career Path in Government Finance Versus Government Administration

A Career Path in Government Finance Versus Government Administration

Many GFOA members often start out with a career path in government finance, and then consider switching to government administration. GFOA's John Fishbein interviewed GFOA Executive Director Chris Morrill to discuss this decision. Morrill's experience includes a career working in government finance and then serving as a city manager. He talks about his educational and professional background, how he made the choice to switch from finance, the differences and similarities between the two careers, and what GFOA can offer to help make that transition easier.

Apr 27, 202109:59
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 16, 2021

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 16, 2021

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Apr 22, 202147:38
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 2, 2021

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - April 2, 2021

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Apr 02, 202125:40
The Budget Awards Program Comes to the University of Kansas

The Budget Awards Program Comes to the University of Kansas

Michael Walters Young is the Budget and Strategic Innovation Manager at the City of Franklin, Tennessee.  Once a week, he teaches a night course at the University of Kansas in budgeting.  Michael got his students involved as budget reviewers in GFOA’s Budget Awards Program.  This podcast goes through that process.

Mar 31, 202106:48
Getting involved with GFOA’s Women’s Public Finance Network

Getting involved with GFOA’s Women’s Public Finance Network

Interested in becoming more involved with advancing women in public finance? On this episode, GFOA's Elizabeth Fu talks with members of GFOA’s Women’s Public Finance Network’s Women’s committees on communication, programming/education, and mentorship. Listen to learn how these members became involved and their experiences on the committees.

Mar 29, 202111:57
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - February 5, 2021

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - February 5, 2021

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Feb 18, 202157:39
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - January 8, 2021

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - January 8, 2021

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Feb 18, 202156:53
Show Us Your GFOA Best Practice in Action!
Jan 19, 202109:33
Week in Washington – Special Edition December 22, 2020

Week in Washington – Special Edition December 22, 2020

GFOA FLC staff offer highlights and initial reactions to the massive spending and coronavirus relief package passed by Congress on December 21.

Dec 22, 202024:08
Budget Awards Criteria: Communicating the Budget
Nov 23, 202002:52
A Discussion about GFOA's Elected Officials Guide Series
Nov 19, 202006:04
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - November 13, 2020

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members - November 13, 2020

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Nov 16, 202050:04
Budget Awards Criteria: Position Summary
Nov 13, 202002:31
Budget Awards Criteria: Department/Program Budgeting & Goals
Nov 05, 202003:28
Budget Talk: The Budget Document and Beyond Encore Event
Nov 02, 202007:54
Talking COVID and More During This Year's Alliance for Excellence in School Budgeting Fall Meeting
Oct 28, 202012:04
GFOA Academic Scholarship Applications Open for 2021
Oct 19, 202018:23
Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members – October 2, 2020

Week in Washington: GFOA Recap for Committee Members – October 2, 2020

Listen as GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center updates GFOA Standing Committee members on events in Washington.

Oct 05, 202050:41