2020 fall conference 2020 program.pdf · vgfoa fall conference 2020 7 vgfoa past presidents date...
TRANSCRIPT
2020 Fall Conference
October 15, 2020
November 12, 2020 December 9, 2020
VGFOA Fall Conference 2020 1
Table of Contents
Fall Conference Schedule ....................................................................................... 2
VGFOA Executive Board 2019-2020 ....................................................................... 5
List of VGFOA Past Presidents ............................................................................... 7
List of CPFO’s ........................................................................................................ 10
List of VGFOA and Radford University GNAC Certificate Recipients ............... 12
Conference Schedule: Keynote Session - Facing Uncertainty with Confidence ...................................... 18
GASB Update ..................................................................................................... 19
Why do you need a Financial Advisor? .............................................................. 20
Recession, Recovery, or Relapse: Economic Prospects for 2020 and 2021 ....... 22
The Newest Digital Payment Strategies and Advanced Technologies in Local Government ........................................................................................................ 23
The Freedom of Information Act—Causing Problems for Public Officials Since 1968 (the Do’s, the Don’ts and the Uncertainties) ............................................... 24
APA Local Government Update .......................................................................... 25
VDOT Special Funding Programs ....................................................................... 27
Analytics and Visualization in the Public Sector ................................................... 28
Ethics in Public Sector Finances .......................................................................... 29
The Stimulus Efforts at the Federal Government: CARES Act Funding and Beyond ................................................................................................................ 30
Fall Conference Sponsors ..................................................................................... 34
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VGFOA 2020 Fall Conference Schedule
10:00am – 11:00am
Annual Business Meeting - VGFOA Executive Committee
1:00pm – 2:45pm
Keynote Session - Facing Uncertainty with Confidence - Mazi Robinson, Cultivate
2:45pm – 3:00pm Break
3:00pm – 3:50pm GASB Update
- Laura Harden & Greg Miller, Cherry Bekaert LLP
4:00pm – 4:50pm Why do you need a Financial Advisor? - Courtney Rogers, Davenport & Company LLC
1:00pm – 1:50pm
Recession, Recovery, or Relapse: Economic Prospects for 2020 and 2021
- Robert McNab, ODU
2:00pm – 2:50pm The Newest Digital Payment Strategies and Advanced Technologies in Local Government
- Christine Miles, Paymentus
3:00pm – 3:50pm The Freedom of Information Act—Causing Problems for Public Officials Since 1968 (the Do’s, the Don’ts and the Uncertainties)
- Walter Erwin, City of Lynchburg 4:00pm – 4:50pm
APA Local Government Update - Rachel Reamy, APA
Thursday, October 15th
Thursday, November 12th
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VGFOA 2020 Fall Conference Schedule
1:00pm – 1:50pm VDOT Special Funding Programs
- Russ Dudley and Penny Forrest, VDOT
2:00pm – 2:50pm Analytics and Visualization in the Public Sector - Bryce Gartner, Cherry Bekaert LLP
3:00pm – 3:50pm Ethics in Public Sector Finances
- Mike Gillette, Bioethical Services of Virginia 4:00pm – 4:50pm
The Stimulus Efforts at the Federal Government: CARES Act Funding and Beyond
- Emily Brock, GFOA
Join us at Future Conferences!
Spring Conferences
Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront – May 26 – 28, 2021
Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront – May 11 – 13, 2022
Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront – May 3 – 5, 2023
arriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront – May 26 – 28, 2021
Fall Conferences
Omni Richmond Hotel – September 15 – 17, 2021
Omni Richmond Hotel – September 28 – 30, 2022
Wednesday, December 9h
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VGFOA Executive Board 2019-2020
Officers
President – Jill Underwood Director of Finance, Bedford Regional Water Authority Term Expires: Oct. 2020
President Elect – Trish Davidson Director of Finance, Rockingham County Term Expires: Oct. 2020
Past President – Curtis Doughtie Director of Finance, Virginia Resources Authority Term Expires: Oct. 2020
Treasurer – Janet Romanchyk Deputy CFO, Loudoun County Term Expires: Oct. 2022
Board Members Andrea Trent, Spring Conference Chair Manager of Retirement Plans, City of Roanoke Term Expires: Oct. 2022
Keli Reekes, Education Chair Director of Finance, Brunswick County Term Expires: Oct. 2022
Marion Serfass, Education Chair Director of Finance/Treasurer, Town of Vienna Term Expires: Oct. 2021
Alice Kelly, Communications, Legislative & Standards Setting Chair Chief Financial Officer, City of Virginia Beach Term Expires: Oct. 2020
Donna Witt, Fall Conference Chair Chief Financial Officer, City of Lynchburg Term Expires: Oct. 2020
Aaron McCoy, Associate Member Relations Chair Finance Officer, Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office Term Expires: Oct. 2021
Andrea Light, Membership and Awards Chair Budget Division Director, Stafford County Term Expires: Oct. 2020
Beau Blevins, Executive Secretary Director of Government Consulting, VML/VACo Finance
Virginia Government Finance Officers' Association’s mission is “…to foster financial excellence in government by creating opportunities for professional
development.”
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VGFOA Past Presidents
Date President City/County
1969-1970 J. Robert Thomas Roanoke
1970-1971 Philip A. Curtis, Jr. City of Newport News
1971-1972 Hubert H. Shiner, Jr. City of Petersburg
1974-1975 Giles G. Dodd City of Virginia Bea ch
1975-1976 A. N. (Hoot) Gibson City of Roanoke
1976-1977 Bill M. Perrero City of Winchester
1977-1978 Aubrey D. Dodson City of Danville
1978-1979 H. Jack Lissenden Richmond
1979-1980 Roy W. Cherry City of Portsmouth
1980-1981 Michael W. Hill City of Lynchburg
1981-1982 Frank P. Turk City of Salem
1982-1983 Ray B. Jones Albemarle County
1983-1984 Jimmy D. Clowers City of Norfolk
1984-1985 John M. Chambliss Roanoke
1985-1986 Dennis Kerns Henrico County
1986-1987 Leon Hirsh York County
1987-1988 Joseph N. Black Hanover County
1988-1989 Joseph S. Paxton Rockingham County
1989-1990 M. E. (Mickey) Poole Loudoun County
1990-1991 John Mitchell City of Colonial Heights
1991-1992 James Grisso City of Roanoke
1992-1993 Jeffrey Lunsford Montgomery County
1993-1994 James McReynolds York County
1994-1995 Raoul James Kister Albemarle County Service Authority
1995-1996 Cecil R. Harris, Jr. Hanover County
1996-1997 Mary C. Kemp Town of Herndon
1997-1998 John Tuohy Fauquier County
1998-1999 Clarence Daniel Henrico County
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VGFOA Past Presidents (Cont’d.)
Date President City/County
1999-2000 Jesse Hall City of Roanoke 2000-2001 Shelley Carmichael Stafford County 2001-2002 Bill Johnson City of Colonial Heights 2002-2003 Joseph Casey Hanover County 2003-2004 Larry Clark Richmond (Henrico County)
2004-2005 Phillip Grant Town of Vienna 2005-2006 Terry S. Stone Hanover County 2006-2007 Rebecca Owens Roanoke County
2007-2008 Steven A. Solomon Fairfax County Housing
2008-2009 Marycarol C. White York County 2009-2010 Ann Shawver City of Roanoke 2010-2011 Vivian McGettigan Prince William County Public
Schools 2011-2012 Patricia Weiler City of Manassas 2012-2013 Charles Ramsay Henrico County
2013-2014 Barbara Dameron City of Roanoke
2014-2015 Jon Munch Fauquier County
2015-2016 Renee Hoover Charlottesville City Schools
2016-2017 Kathy Seay Hanover County
2017-2018 Diane Bergeron City of Manassas
2018-2019 Curtis Doughtie Virginia Resources Authority
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Certified Public Finance Officers Lisa Anderson, City of Lynchburg
Lisa Breeden, Albemarle County
Jennifer Brody, City of Fredericksburg
Patsy Brown, Chesterfield County
Vivian Calkins-McGettigan, York County
Carrie Curry, Town of Leesburg
Patricia Davidson, Rockingham County
Deirdre Finneran, Fairfax County
Lisa Haley, Town of Leesburg
Victoria Herrick, City of Williamsburg
Mark Highfield, Hanover County
Barbara Horlacher, Goochland County
Dennis Jarrett, York County School Division
Reid Lanham, City of Lynchburg
Sheila Minor, City of Colonial Heights
Laura Morrison, MWAA
Jonathan Munch, Fauquier County
Christopher Pietsch, Fairfax County
Jerry Schulz, Town of Herndon
Ann Shawver, Ann Harrity Shawver, CPA, PLLC
Marta Smith, University of Mary Washington
Gary Swink, City of Lexington
Tammy Todd, City of Salem
Lori Van Curen, Roanoke Higher Education Authority
John Wallingford, Prince William County Public Schools
Edgar Wertheimer
Kendall Williams, Washington County
Regina Williams, Pulaski County
Donna Witt, City of Lynchburg
Susan Worrell, Albemarle County
GFOA Certification Program
The Certified Public Finance Officers Program (Certification Program) of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) is a broad educational self-study program designed to verify knowledge in the disciplines of government finance. The Certification Program is governed by the Council on Certification. Technical and administrative support for the program is provided by Radford University's Governmental and Nonprofit Assistance Center.
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VGFOA and Radford University GNAC Certificate Recipients
The following individuals have completed the requirements for the VGFOA and Radford University GNAC Certificate Program. Congratulations to our newest
Certificate holders as of Fall 2020, designated in BOLD.
Mary Altemus, New Kent County
Jacqueline Althizer, Hanover County
Tina Ammons, King and Queen County
Ashley Anderson, Roanoke County
Lisa Anderson, City of Lynchburg
Dahlis Atkins, Isle of Wight County
Elizabeth Atkinson, Roanoke County
Margaret Bacon, Roanoke County
Katie Bailey, Stafford County
Pamela Barclay, City of Newport News
Judy Barnes, Stafford County
Monique Barnes, Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools
Leslie Beasley, Hanover County
Mandy Belyea, Town of Woodstock
Natalie Berger, Prince William County
Diane Bergeron, City of Manassas
Christina Berta, Chesterfield County Public Schools
Andrew Binks, James City County
Mary Blowe, City of Winchester
Helen Bogart, Prince William County
Tanya Burrell, Fairfax County
Christina Brannan, Central Virginia Community College
Lisa Breeden, Albemarle County
Celeste Broadstreet, City of Winchester
Jennifer Brody, City of Fredericksburg
Jay Brown, Charles City County
Tasha Burkett, City of Roanoke
Esther Caesar, Prince William County Government
Misty Caish, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Tammy Callahan, Town of Culpeper
Jhany Cardozo, Fairfax County
Elizabeth Carpenter, Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools
Brian Carter, Franklin County
Tanya Catron, Roanoke County
Maria Cavin, Prince William County Schools
Nickie Champion, Gloucester County
Ju-Ling Cheng, Fairfax County
VGFOA and Radford University GNAC Certificate Program
The purpose of the VGFOA and Radford University GNAC Certificate Program is to:
- Provide training in the areas of accounting, budgeting, cash management, debt, administration, internal controls, Virginia law and other topics pertinent to state and local governments.
- Provide instructional support for those wishing to pursue the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) certification.
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VGFOA and Radford University GNAC Certificate Recipients Lillian Cheng, Fairfax County
Carol Clancy, Fairfax County Housing
Lisa Cockrell, Loudoun County
Mary Collins, City of Lynchburg
Jeanne Colvin, City of Staunton
Joseph Correa, Albemarle County
Michael Cosby, City of Roanoke
Karen Covert, Town of Vienna
Kathy Cox, Stafford County
Susan Crawford, Bedford County
Carrie Curry, Town of Leesburg
Sheila Cutrell, City of Emporia
Kathaleen Cyckowski, Chesterfield County
Patricia Davidson, Rockingham County
Lillie DeLancy, Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Paul Deming, Portsmouth City Public Schools
Francis Deniega, City of Manassas
Gerard Durkin, City of Richmond
Starlette Early, City of Lynchburg
Teresa Eckhout, VML/VACo Finance
Jami Engel, Chesterfield County
Rene Ewing, Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools
Jon Farmer, Virginia Resources Authority
Joseph Feaser, Virginia Housing Development Authority
Deirdre Finneran, Fairfax County
Paul Fitzgerald, Prince William County
Andre Fletcher, Warren County
Katrina Flowers, Virginia Department of Transportation
Amy Ford, Accomack County
Pamela Foster, Portsmouth Public Schools
Kathryn Fox, City of Salem
Tammy Franchok, Loudoun County
Rene Gapasin, Prince William County
Ruth Garcia, Loudoun County
Christine Garczynski, City of Norfolk
Keena Garns, City of Virginia Beach
Leesa Gayheart, Grayson County
Laurie Gearheart, Roanoke County
Cynthia Glascock, Loudoun Water
Anand Goutam, Fairfax County
Patricia Green, Tazewell County
Stephan Greennagel, Town of Herndon
Lisa Greer, Roanoke County
Sue Gregory, Roanoke Higher Education Center
Tracy Gregory, City of Chesapeake
Vicki Hall, Fairfax County
Janet Haney, York County
Tealen Hansen, City of Suffolk
Dawn Hardman, Hanover County
Deanna Harris, Mathews County
Gail Hassmer, City of Charlottesville
Karen Hatfield, Western Tidewater Regional Jail
Randy Helwig, Stafford County
Victoria Herrick, City of Williamsburg
Rebecca Hicks, Prince George County Schools
Mark Highfield, Hanover County
Beth Hindle, City of Winchester
David Hockaday, Fairfax County
Andrea Hogge, Middle Peninsula Reg. Security Center
Renee Hoover, Charlottesville City Schools
Barbara Horlacher, Goochland County
Anne Howerton, Dinwiddie County
Wan Hu, City of Portsmouth
Barbara Hudson, City of Lynchburg
Sharon Hulehan, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Stephanie Jackson, Halifax County
Tisha Jaudon, Albemarle County
David Jeavons, Roanoke Regional Airport Commission
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VGFOA and Radford University GNAC Certificate Recipients Margaret Jefferson, New Kent County
William Jennings, Fairfax County Public Schools
Hoisuk Jeong, Suffolk Dept. of Social Services
Dabeiba Johnson, City of Charlottesville
Lori Jones, Town of Hamilton
Stephanie Jones, Virginia Resources Authority
Pamela Kamalakkannan, Commonwealth of VA – DPOR
Zainab Kamara, Arlington County
Howard Kartel, Prince William County Service Authority
Julie Kaylor, Matthews County
Tamara Keesecker, Loudoun County
Teri Kent, Town of Herndon
Patricia Kephart, City of Virginia Beach
Kevin Kielbasa, City of Virginia Beach
Donna Kimberlin, Alleghany County
Alisa King, City of Waynesboro
Teresa Kirkdoffer, City of Charlottesville
Jana Kotalova, Arlington County
Rocio Lamb, Albemarle County
Reid Lanham, City of Lynchburg
Jody Lawson, City of Roanoke
Hansford Leake, Roanoke County
Eileen Leonard, Prince William County
Jian Lin, Albemarle County
Denise Lindquist, City of Manassas
Michael Longhi, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority
Rebecca Longnaker, Chesterfield County
Corrine Louden, Virginia Department of Corrections
Kimberly Ludwig, Hanover County
Zoe Lumpkin, City of Newport News
Regina Magalong, Fairfax County
James Mahone, Virginia Department of Treasury
Robin Mamola, City of Lynchburg
Arlene Matney, Tazewell County
Teresa May, Loudoun County
Aaron McCoy, Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office
Vivian McGettigan, York County
Karen McMillan, Roanoke County
Jennifer Meeks, Western Virginia Water Authority
Sheila Minor, City of Colonial Heights
Teanna Mitchell, James City County
Kelly Moore, Sussex County
Judy Morin, City of Newport News
Amy Morris, City of Salem
Deborah Morris, York County
Stephanie Moss, York County
Dawn Mullins, City of Roanoke
Jon Munch, Fauquier County
Eileen Nguyen, Loudoun County
Ngan Nguyen, Fairfax County
Debbie Noble, City of Roanoke
Kimberly Oates, Fairfax County Water Authority
Tonya O’Connell, City of Poquoson
Daniel Ogbon, Fairfax County Housing
Theresa Owens, York County
Megan Palmer, City of Lynchburg
Vicky Pannell, Albemarle County
Lisa Parker, City of Lynchburg
Amy Pearson, Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission
Andrea Pearson, Virginia Resources Authority
Caitlin Pelletier, Hanover County
Mark Pemberton, City of Lynchburg
Mary Penney, City of Salem
Jennifer Perkins, Dinwiddie County
Sally Perry, City of Manassas
Terrilyn Pete, Fauquier County
Susan Peterson, Roanoke County Schools
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VGFOA and Radford University GNAC Certificate Recipients Lee Pfeiffer, Cumberland County
Meera Phaltankar, City of Portsmouth Schools
Diane Pham, Fairfax County
Mark Phelps, City of Portsmouth Schools
Heather Poulsen, James City County
Sabrina Quan, Loudoun County
Charles Ramsay, Henrico County
Gwen Riddle, Town of Vienna
Susan Riley, City of Virginia Beach
Theresa Robey, Fairfax County Water Authority
Elizabeth Roe, Prince William County
John Rosser, City of Lynchburg
Laura Rudy, Stafford County
Lynn Ruths, Loudoun County
Melissa Ryman, City of Falls Church
Andy Scales, Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center
Jerry Schulz, Town of Herndon
Marion Serfass, Town of Vienna
Philip Serra, City of Williamsburg
Ann Shawver, Ann Harrity Shawver, CPA, PLLC
Delores Smith, Wise County
Rhonda Sommer, City of Chesapeake
Cindy Speck, City of Lynchburg
Kelly Spencer, Albemarle County Department of Social Services
Melody Sprague, Newport News Department of Human Services
Stuart Stallman, Fairfax County Housing
Marc Stein, City of Chesapeake
Randee Stenroos, Arlington County
Michelle Stephens, York County
Amy Stonebraker, New Kent County
Brian Stump, Norfolk State University
Gary Swink, City of Lexington
Lora Swortzel, Augusta County
Amy Sylvia, Hanover County
Linda Terrell, James City County
Tewodros Tessema, City of Alexandria
Sara Teyema, Arlington County
Tara Thomas, Gloucester County
Lisa Thorne-Izes, Prince William County Public Schools
Lindsey Thornton, Chesterfield County
Tammy Todd, City of Salem Patricia Townsend, Prince William County Public Schools Andrea Trent, City of Roanoke
Jill Underwood, Bedford Regional Water Authority
Misty Upson, VDOT
Laura Vallejos, Town of Herndon
Lori VanCuren, Roanoke Higher Education Authority
Sharon Verry, Commonwealth of VA – DPOR
Krisanee Vitoonkittikul, City of Falls Church
Kimberly Warren, Fairfax County Water Authority
Patricia Weiler, Powhatan County
Edgar Wertheimer, IV
Jennifer Whetzel, Augusta County
Deborah White, Goochland County Public Schools
Marycarol White, Minor and Associates, PLLC
Deborah Whitley, Fauquier Water and Sanitation Authority
Jennifer Wilkerson, Hanover County
Stacey Wilkes, Amherst County
Kendall Williams, Washington County
Regina Williams, Pulaski County Catherine Wilson, Chesterfield County
Consuela Wilson, Chesterfield County
Nora Wilson, Mathews County Social Services
Donna Witt, City of Lynchburg
Tara Woodruff, James City County
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VGFOA and Radford University GNAC Certificate Recipients Karen Woodson, City of Virginia Beach Public Schools
Miryam Woodson, City of Virginia Beach
Linda Woody, Town of Rocky Mount
Susan Worrell, Henrico County
Penny Xu, Fairfax County Public Schools
Jovelyn Yambao, City of Manassas
Wendy Zhi, Fairfax County
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Session Abstracts with Speaker Biographies Thursday, October 15, 2020
Keynote Session - Facing Uncertainty with Confidence
The one certainty in our lives right now is uncertainty. We are living in a season where we cannot predict next week let alone what life will look like in 2021. We are not wired to live with this level of unknown and uncertainty. In fact, our brains highly prefer certainty. Although this level of unknown is not our choice and there are many things beyond our control, we must learn to thrive despite not knowing the finish line. Join Licensed Counselor and Speaker Mazi Robinson as she discusses why our brains feel threatened by uncertainty and we feel anxious right now, the relationship between uncertainty and our Inner Critic, and how we can cultivate confidence and clarity for our future.
Mazi Robinson, Founder and Director Cultivate
Mazi Robinson is a licensed professional counselor and speaker specializing in helping women discover their true voice as they navigate self-worth/self-esteem challenges, relationship concerns, and life stage transitions. In addition to her work as a therapist, she maintains an active speaking schedule presenting workshops on topics such as anxiety, communication, healthy relationships, personal growth, and purposeful living. She is also a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator presenting workshops and retreats based on the research and methodology of Dr. Brené Brown to individuals and groups.
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GASB Update
This course is designed to provide an overview of the requirements in GASB87 - Leases. The primary objective of this Statement is to improve accounting and financial reporting by state and local governments for leases. We'll discuss both the accounting and reporting under this new standard.
Laura Harden, Senior Manager Cherry Bekaert LLP [email protected]
As an Assurance senior manager out of the Firm’s Virginia Beach practice, Laura Harden’s duties encompass all aspects of a client’s audit process. From the initial planning stage to performing, supervising, reporting and wrapping up the engagement, she maintains direct communication with the client and provides value-added services. Since 2008, Harden has serviced clients across a wide range of industry groups, specializing in attestation services for the government sector. Attestation services she provides include financial and performance audits, agreed-upon procedures, and single and compliance audits, as well as risk assessment procedures and internal control testing for various types of entities. She has a B.B.A. in Accounting and a M.S. in Accounting.
Greg Miller, Director Cherry Bekaert LLP [email protected]
As a Director with Cherry Bekaert, Greg Miller focuses his practice in the public sector, serving local governments, public pension and other post-employment benefit plans, and local and regional authorities in the economic and transportation industries. As a member of the Government Services Group, he has advised some of the largest and most complex public sector entities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He provides guidance to clients in accounting and financial reporting, financial and compliance audits, and agreed upon procedure engagements. He has extensive experience with implementation of governmental accounting standards, government auditing, Uniform Grant Guidance, and Passenger Facility Charges audits. Miller holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting.
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Why do you need a Financial Advisor?
We will cover what is a Municipal Financial Advisor as defined by Congressional Action. We will discuss the differences between an underwriter and a municipal advisor. We will discuss services that a Municipal Financial Advisor can provide. We will discuss the Financing Process. We will discuss the interest rate marketplace. We will discuss how COVID-19 has affected the marketplace and local governments from a credit perspective and strategies that can be employed to counter reductions in revenues due to COVID-19.
Courtney Rogers, Senior Vice President Davenport & Company LLC
Courtney Rogers has over 30 years of municipal finance experience specializing in local government finances including the quantitative aspects of financings, cash flow analysis, multi-year financial forecasting, multi-year capital planning, debt capacity studies, rating agency interaction, debt issuance strategies, refunding debt restructuring, financing alternative sensitivity analysis, tax district analysis and execution for general government projects, economic development projects, water/sewer enterprise projects, and school projects. Rogers was the author of a $35 million General Fund and Utility Enterprise Fund budget in 2009 for a county who, at the time, did not have a Budget or Finance Director. Rogers began his financial advisory career with Wheat First Butcher Singer in 1992 and joined Davenport & Company LLC in 1998. Rogers graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance & Investment Management.
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Session Abstracts with Speaker Biographies Thursday, November 12, 2020
Recession, Recovery, or Relapse: Economic Prospects for 2020
and 2021
This session will examine the end of the economic expansion and the impact of COVID-19 on the economies of the United States, Virginia, and Virginia’s metropolitan areas. The session also examines whether we are experiencing a “K” shaped recession. In a “K” shaped recession, higher skilled workers are more able to work remotely and experience less economic disruption than lower-skilled workers. Rising housing and equity prices benefit the top income deciles and further exacerbate income and wealth inequality along racial and geographical lines. We conclude with an examination of the prospects for economic growth in 2021.
Robert McNab, Professor of Economics ODU
Professor Robert McNab currently serves as the Director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy in the Strome College of Business at Old Dominion University. He is a member of the Joint Advisory Board of Economists for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Survey of Professional Forecasters. McNab has worked on issues related to the allocation of public resources in more than 30 countries as well as all levels of government in the United States. He has appeared in the Associated Press, CNN, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Virginian Pilot, and Daily Press as well as television and radio throughout Virginia. McNab joined the faculty of the Department of Economics in the Strome College of Business of Old Dominion University in July 2016 and previously was a member of the faculty of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California from 2000 to 2016.
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The Newest Digital Payment Strategies and Advanced Technologies in Local Government
Digital wallets like PayPal, Venmo, Amazon Pay, Apple/Google Pay (and many more) are projected to overtake credit cards as the most popular online payment method this year according to Forrester Research. America’s largest generation (millennials aged 24-39 encompassing 75M people) has already adopted digital wallets for all kinds of transactions. This session will focus on digital wallets as secure payment tools and advanced payment methods that drive citizen engagement with your existing investments in self-service.
Christine Miles, Director of Sales Paymentus
Christine Miles has worked in the electronic billing and payments industry for the past decade. Using a collaborative approach, she works alongside local government and utility clients across the US as they evaluate electronic billing and payment channels and then presents the best solutions to support their goals. She understands the process required for local government clients to procure and implement government solutions and recognizes the need for a streamlined, unified system across all departments.
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The Freedom of Information Act—Causing Problems for Public Officials Since 1968 (the Do’s, the Don’ts and the Uncertainties)
The session will provide a brief history of the FOIA and will focus on such issues as: the types of documents that must be produced in response to FOIA requests; the time periods to respond to requests and appropriate responses; exemptions from disclosure; are emails and text messages subject to disclosure; issues associated with the use of social media; public officials use personal iPhones, iPads, or computers and personal accounts to conduct public business instead of government issued devices and accounts; the obligation to preserve records under the Virginia Public Records Act; and, a discussion of the penalties for violating the FOIA. The presentation will also briefly touch on the public meetings requirements of the FOIA, but the main emphasis will focus on the portions of the FOIA that deal with public records.
Walter Erwin, City Attorney City of Lynchburg
Walter Erwin joined the Lynchburg City Attorney's Office in 1980, and became the City Attorney in 1991. He has served as the president of the Virginia Local Government Attorneys Association, the president of the Virginia Council of School Attorneys, and was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council. In 2007 he received the Local Government Attorneys’ Edward J. Finnegan Award for Distinguished Service as someone who made significant contributions to the practice of local government law. Over the years he has made numerous presentations on the Freedom of Information Act to local government attorneys, public officials, the Virginia Clerks’ Association, and to various other organizations.
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APA Local Government Update This session will provide an update related to the APA's oversight for Virginia local governments:
• Reminders on important annual audit and reporting requirements—upcoming accounting standards, the APA’s Audit Specifications, and the APA comparative report transmittal process • Key changes from the 2020 and 2019 Virginia General Assembly legislative sessions that impact local governments • Overview and recent results of the APA’s annual quality control reviews over CPA firms auditing Virginia’s local governments • Update on the APA’s annual fiscal distress monitoring process over cities, counties, and towns
Rachel Reamy, Audit Manager
Rachel Reamy is an audit manager with the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts (APA), and has been with the APA for over ten years. As the APA’s Local Government audit manager, she has responsibility for the APA’s annual Comparative Report of Local Government Revenues and Expenditures, the annual fiscal distress monitoring process, along with other responsibilities related to oversight and monitoring of Virginia’s local governments. Additionally, she performs other specialty tasks, to include: assisting as a project manager for state audits, helping lead the APA’s strategic planning process, providing internal technical assistance related to audit and accounting standards, and developing and presenting internal APA trainings, as well as external trainings for various local government focused groups and organizations. Reamy received her B. S. in Accounting and Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University, and her Masters of Accountancy from Liberty University. She is a member of the Virginia Government Finance Officers’ Association, the Virginia Society of CPAs, and the Association of Government Accountants, and holds a certification as a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
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Session Abstracts with Speaker Biographies Wednesday, December 9, 2020
VDOT Special Funding Programs
This session will provide an overview of special funding program specifically managed through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Local Assistance Division, to include the transportation alternatives program, access roads programs, and revenue sharing. Discussion will include a description of the programs, application process, eligibility requirements, and any matching funds requirements. The speakers will also address the differences in the federal aid and state aid requirements of these programs.
Russ Dudley, Director of Local Assistance Division
VDOT [email protected]
Russ Dudley is currently the Director of Local Assistance Division. He has worked in the Local Assistance Division for nearly 15 years and has been at VDOT for 20 years. He has previously served as Assistant Division Administrator for Local Programs and Assistant Division Administrator for Special Funding Programs in the Division. Prior to his tenure at the Local Assistance Division, he spent most of his career in the environmental field and had held numerous positions in both the public and private sectors including the State Environmental Programs Manager for the Virginia Army National Guard, Senior Geologist for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Senior Scientist at Marshall Miller and Associates. Dudley has an B.S. degree in Geology from James Madison University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Penny Forrest, Local Assistance Assistant Division Administrator
VDOT [email protected]
Penny Forrest is currently the Acting Assistant Director of VDOT's Local Assistance Division. She has worked at VDOT for over 25 years. Prior to this position, she served as Outreach and Special Project Manager for the Division. Previously at VDOT, she served as Assistant State Maintenance Engineer and Resident Engineer in the Peterburg and Manassas Residencies. Forrest holds an B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech.
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Analytics and Visualization in the Public Sector This session will explore the ways to leverage data visualization and analytics to gather insights, answer deeper questions, more accurately forecast and communicate more effectively with all your various stakeholders.
Bryce Gartner, Principal
Cherry Bekaert LLP [email protected]
A Principal of Cherry Bekaert, Bryce Gartner also serves as the Analytics & Business Intelligence Leader. He helps clients across multiple industries merge business and technology creating strategies that drive innovative opportunities and growth. Prior to joining Cherry Bekaert via acquisition in 2020, Gartner was founder and Chief Experience Officer of Icimo LLC, a business intelligence firm helping organizations become data-driven through a combination of software tools and services enabling data storytelling, visualization and analysis. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Gartner serves as an adjunct professor at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business where he teaches visual analytics for the MQM Business Analytics program.
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Ethics in Public Sector Finances
This interactive session will begin by examining the core ethical values that apply to directing financial services in the public sector and will continue with a series of case studies that explore the relationship between financial professionals and elected bodies, financial professionals and the public good, and inter-office ethical disagreements.
Mike Gillette, Bioethical Services of Virginia
Michael Gillette is an ethics expert who has presented numerous keynotes and workshops nationally and internationally for over 25 years. He graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University, with majors in philosophy and classical Greek, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his master’s and Ph.D. in philosophy at Brown University. He has taught at colleges and universities, published articles in the field of applied ethics, and has received several teaching awards. He was elected three times to the City Council in Lynchburg, Virginia, and served two terms as Mayor of the City. Gillette contracts with dozens of healthcare organizations and other agencies to provide ethics case consultations and policy work. His energetic and interactive style engages his audiences and helps them think critically about ethical decisions in their work and beyond.
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The Stimulus Efforts at the Federal Government: CARES Act Funding and Beyond
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt by communities throughout the country. Upon the enactment of the CARES Act, Congress infused just over $2 Trillion in various sectors in the economy including $150B to state and local governments. In this session, we will navigate the already-appropriated funds and discuss the potential for more stimulus funding on the horizon for state and local governments still anticipating steep declines in revenue.
Emily Brock, Director
GFOA [email protected]
As Director of GFOA’s Federal Liaison Center, Emily Brock leads coalition and advocacy efforts of the Public Finance Network in Washington DC. Her advocacy includes anticipating and responding to federal legislative and regulatory activities that impact the finance functions of state and local governments and public sector entities including tax reform, municipal securities disclosure and public pension and benefit issues. She also serves as staff on GFOA’s Debt Committee, working with committee members to develop best practices that promote sound financial practices for local, state and provincial governments. Prior to joining GFOA, Brock was a commercial bank relationship manager at a large national bank, serving as the sole bank liaison for government and university clients.
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Fall Conference 2020 Sponsors
Accenture is a global strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations company with 515,000+ people serving clients in more than 120 countries. For more than 60 years, we have worked with the world’s leading companies and organizations to improve how the world works and lives. We provide transformational services across over 40 industries to help organizations maximize performance and create sustainable value. We have effectively delivered solutions in every cabinet-level US Federal agency, 45 states, and 30 major cities. Combining deep industry and functional experience and digital technology leadership, we help public sector Chief Financial Officers in Virginia and beyond to maneuver uncertainty in a post-COVID world by broadening their impact and financial capabilities across their enterprise.
Bingham Arbitrage Rebate Services, Inc., a woman-owned firm located in Richmond, Virginia — leading the way in expert tax-exempt bond compliance since 1988. Our unique focus includes Arbitrage Rebate, Verification and Schedule K Form 990 Services. Working closely with bond counsel, Bingham’s highly experienced staff continually monitors changes in U.S. Treasury Regulations and tax laws, guiding clients through myriad compliance complexities, from Small Issuer to large volume issuances. We are ready to help your organization learn the in’s and out’s of bond compliance. Please visit our website at www.bingham-ars.com or call us on our toll-free number (888) 900-5312. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.
Whether large or small, local governments must continually be aware of complex compliance regulations and be able to provide accurate and timely financial information to everyone from government officials to citizens. With over 30 years of experience conducting municipal audits, Brown Edwards professionals understand your budgetary constraints and the regulatory environment within which you operate. We go beyond the required compliance audit by giving value-added service to our clients. For more information, visit our website: www.BEcpas.com.
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Fall Conference 2020 Sponsors
Cherry Bekaert LLP has provided high quality assurance services to some of the largest state and local government entities in the Southeast. The Firm has established a leading reputation for providing quality service and value-added advice through our work on numerous audit, compliance and advisory projects. Cherry Bekaert offers strategic financial and management solutions to help state and local government entities meet the evolving demands of today's public sector. The Firm’s Government Services Group provides traditional audit and compliance services, as well as specialized services such as risk management services and performance audits.
CLA has 600 people who are dedicated to serving more than 1,700 local, county, and state government agencies. It has been a primary focus for more than 40 years. We understand the legislative changes, funding challenges, compliance responsibilities, and risk management duties that impact you. From offices coast to coast, our professionals deliver audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing capabilities best aligned with our clients' needs. For more information, visit CLAconnect.com/Government/.
Davenport provides Financial Advisory and Underwriting services to public sector and not-for-profit issuers in the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition, our firm actively participates, through underwriting syndicates, in a wide variety of national issues. As financial advisor, Davenport handles the debt issuance process for the placement of tax-exempt and taxable municipal securities in both private placement and public offerings. As underwriter, we are able to serve as senior manager or co-manager in assisting our clients with all aspects of a financing transaction including structure, terms and conditions of the issue, market timing and distribution.
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Fall Conference 2020 Sponsors
First Tryon Advisors provides independent financial advisory services to state and local governments, utility systems, colleges/universities, hospitals and not-for-profits across the Southeast. Our mission is to deliver expertise and solutions by a team of professionals who are experienced, accessible, enthusiastic and passionate about client service. The firm is registered as a municipal advisor with both the Municipal Securities and Rulemaking Board (MSRB ID A4993; MA registration number 867-00707) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC ID 8-21426).
Fitch Ratings is a leading provider of credit ratings, commentary and research. Dedicated to providing value beyond the rating through independent and prospective credit opinions, Fitch Ratings offers global perspectives shaped by strong local market experience and credit market expertise. Fitch Group is a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries. Fitch Group is comprised of: Fitch Ratings, Fitch Solutions, Fitch Learning, and BMI Research. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is majority owned by Hearst. For additional information, please visit fitchratings.com.
Hunton & Williams and Andrews Kurth Kenyon joined together on April 2, 2018, to form Hunton Andrews Kurth. Hunton is a global law firm of more than 1,000 lawyers handling transactional, litigation and regulatory matters for clients in myriad industries including government finance, energy, financial services, real estate, retail and consumer products and technology. Areas of practice focus include public finance and P3, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property and infrastructure, and privacy and cybersecurity.
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Fall Conference 2020 Sponsors
The J.P. Morgan Government banking team provides tailored financial solutions to more than 2,200 state, county, and local governments in 40 of the 50 states. Our dedicated team of more than 60 bankers focus solely on strategies and best practices so that organizations have the practical tools and resources needed to meet today’s budgetary, tax collection, financing and liquidity challenges. For more information, please visit jpmorgan.com/cb/government or contact a J.P. Morgan representative.
Keystone provides a fully integrated, Windows and web-based suite of software for the Financial, Payroll, HR, Property Tax, and other operations of county and municipal governments and public school divisions, with installations in Virginia and in five other states. Modules may be run independently or together, for enterprise-wide integration and work flow. We offer an exceptional value to the small to mid-sized localities, with capabilities and features comparable to much more expensive systems. Applications include Budgeting, General Ledger, Requisitions and Purchasing, Payables, Fixed Assets, Payroll, Human Resources, Real and Personal Property Tax Billing/Collections, Land Records and Real Estate Appraisal, Community Development/Inspection and Permits, State Estimated and Income Tax, Misc. Taxes and Fees, Utility Billing/Collections, Business Licensing, and Centralized Collections. Contact: Judd Van Dervort at [email protected] Tel. 800-735-4862.
Milliman is an independent consulting, benefits and technology firm. Our expert guidance and advanced analytical solutions empower leading insurers, healthcare companies and employers to protect the health and financial well-being of people everywhere. Every day, in countries across the globe, we collaborate with clients to improve healthcare systems, manage risk, and advance financial security, so millions of people can live for today and plan for tomorrow with greater confidence.
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Fall Conference 2020 Sponsors
Paymentus is a leading provider of comprehensive billing and payment solutions that offer municipalities the ability to send bills via all electronic channels (web, mobile, IVR), receive payments of all types (credit, debit, e-check), manage outbound customer communications, reconcile payments in real-time and empower customers with an easy-to-use self-service portal.
Paymerang’s award-winning electronic payables solution provides a simple, secure and profitable way to pay vendors. Paymerang does all the work, from vendor enablement to payment processing to transaction reconcilement, saving clients hundreds of hours each year and reducing fraud risk. We process billions in payments annually for clients around the country in education, healthcare, media, manufacturing, public services and beyond. Our payment network spans 100,000+ suppliers from coast to coast, with 75% receiving electronic payments over traditional checks. In addition to the significant efficiency and security gains, clients enjoy Paymerang’s lucrative cash back rebates. Turn A/P into a profit center with Paymerang!
For over 50 years, PBMares has served numerous state and local government agencies with customized solutions that have kept pace with legislative changes, funding challenges, compliance obligations and risk management. Our state and local government team is committed to delivering the highest quality service and support so that you can stay focused on your constituents. With offices across Virginia, we bring a comprehensive understanding of the unique issues affecting the state and local agencies and systems of the Commonwealth. As a trusted advisor, PBMares delivers to clients valuable insights and recommendations for immediate impact. Visit www.pbmares.com and contact us today.
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Fall Conference 2020 Sponsors
Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates is a leading provider of financial analysis and expertise to clients in many sectors. The Firm's services include Audit and Advisory, Tax and Commercial Accounting, and Management and Technology Consulting. Our clients include businesses, local governments, non-profit entities, associations, other organizations and individuals. We invite you to browse our information, and to contact us to find out how we can start helping you today.
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $364 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2013, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the 5th largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 3,081 banking offices in 25 states and 4,906 ATMs and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment service products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.
VACORP is a member-owned risk pool that provides affordable, stable, and reliable, comprehensive self-insurance and risk management services to Virginia’s local governments, school divisions, regional jails, other public entities and authorities. VACORP tailors coverages and services to meet its members’ needs. The STRENGTH you need, the PARTNERSHIP you expect.
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Fall Conference 2020 Sponsors
VML/VACo Finance was established in 2003 to address many of the financial needs of Cities, Counties, Towns, School Divisions, and Authorities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through our pooled offerings and economies of scale, we provide superior financial services at lower cost. VML/VACo Finance offers three financing programs for capital projects and equipment; the Pooled OPEB Trust Fund; Virginia Investment Pool; and Accounting Services. Each program is designed to benefit governmental entities of every size and financial strength.
Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA), formerly VML Insurance Programs, is the first and most financially sound group self-insurance pool in the Commonwealth. We are committed to reducing our members’ total cost of risk through expansive coverages, services and resources. Our member-owned and governed pool protects our members’ assets and promotes risk management affecting strategic objectives.
The Virginia Tech Center for Public Administration and Policy, in partnership with the Virginia Local Government Management Association, offers a graduate certificate program in local government management that provides the next generation of local government managers and leaders with the tools to advance their careers and to provide exceptional leadership within the communities where they work. The central goal of the program is to offer graduate-level training in local government management that both prepares pre-career students for capable public service at the local level and enhances the capacities of existing local government employees who aspire to be town, city, or county managers or assistant/deputy managers. By joining the program, you are entering a community of leading Virginia public administrators. In-state tuition is available and the program is very friendly to schedules of working professionals. Learn more at www.spia.vt.edu/lgm.
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