the alabama journal of government finance · 2018-05-10 · had the opportunity to play family...
TRANSCRIPT
Government Finance Off icers Associa tion of A labama
FROM TH E PR ESI D EN T… I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
GFOAA Scholarship Recipients Derek Reeves Named Bibb County Administrator
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GFOAA 34th Annual Conference and Training Seminar Upcoming Events
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Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
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Board of Directors and Officers
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Committee Chairpersons
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$$ MONEY TALK $$ The Alabama Journal of Government Finance
Volume XVIII Issue I Spring 2018
Hello All! As our new GFOAA year begins, I want to thank the membership, as
well as the Board of Directors, for allowing me to serve as your 2018-2019 President. I
would also like to thank our immediate Past President, Dr. Keren Deal, for her service
as President during 2017-2018. Keren accomplished a great deal as our President in-
cluding an update to our GFOAA logo design to highlight both our state and organization.
Great job, Keren! And I would be remiss in not giving a shout out and huge thank you to
outgoing Director, Kelly Brendle and outgoing Public Information Officer, Charles Clack.
They have both served on the GFOAA Board of Directors, and in other roles within our
organization, for many years and have always offered help in any capacity that they are
asked. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Kelly and Charles over the past several
years and I have no doubt that they will continue to be actively involved in moving our
organization forward.
The mission and main goal of GFOAA is to provide professional development
and educational opportunities for its members. The Certified Governmental Accounting
Technician (CGAT) Program provides the opportunity for accounting clerks/technicians
to improve their skills in the areas of General Ledger, Budgeting, Fund Accounting, Pur-
chasing/Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Billing/Accounts Receivable. If you have an in-
terest in sharing your expertise in any of these areas, please contact me or any of the
GFOAA Board members for more information. Also, CGAT graduates, mark your calen-
dars for the 2018 CGAT Summer Conference to be held on July 13th in Auburn, AL.
Please visit www.gfoaa.org for further details.
The 2018 GFOAA Summer Conference, held at the Hamp-
ton Inn & Suites in Orange Beach, is also an excellent opportunity
for professional development. The conference dates this year are
August 15-17 and the Professional Development Committee is hard
at work putting together a host of relevant, interesting topics. Turn
in those travel requests, go to www.gfoaa.org for the link to book
your room, and join us at the beach in August! Speaking of excellent professional devel-
opment, I hope you were able to attend the GFOAA 34th Annual Conference that was
held in Huntsville in February. Cathy Hoekenschnieder and her committee did an awe-
some job in providing some great learning opportunities. If you missed the networking
Continued on Page 2.
…FINALLY!
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FROM TH E PR ESI D EN T . . . C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1 .
opportunities at the reception on Wednesday and dinner/casino night on Thursday, then I must say, you missed out
on some great fun and fellowship! Thank you, Cathy, for planning an excellent conference!
In closing, I look forward to serving as your GFOAA President this year and to seeing everyone at our confer-
ences. If you have any questions about the organization or its programs, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you and have a wonderful summer!
Sarita Tapscott
(256) 389-2692
Derek Reeves, GFOAA 1st Vice-President, has recently been named County Administrator
for Bibb County. Derek is a graduate of the University of Alabama and began his career in
public accounting by working for a local Tuscaloosa CPA firm, focusing primarily on the
annual audits of various municipalities throughout the state. His interest and enjoyment
of this type of work led him to transition into the government sector by taking a position
with the City of Tuscaloosa in 2008. During his nine years working for Tuscaloosa he
served as Accounting Manager, Associate Finance Director, and Business Analyst.
A member of GFOAA since 2008, Derek has served several terms as an officer or director,
including one term as President. He co-chairs GFOAA's Professional Development com-
mittee, and has served on the planning committee for the GAAF for the past 5 years.
Derek is married to Heather Reeves and has one son, Jackson. He is a member of Uni-
versity Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa and is a leader in Jackson's Cub Scout Pack.
DER EK REEV ES NAMED B I BB CO U NTY ADM I NISTR ATO R
CO N G RATUL ATIO N S TO GFOAA SC HO LAR SH IP REC I P I EN TS
GFOAA has awarded college scholarships for the 2018-2019 school year to Faheem Khan, Matt
McKinney, Ja’mesia Morris, William Clack, and Erica McNaughton. GFOAA promotes careers in
Government Finance and is pleased to award these scholarships. Award recipients also receive a
one year membership in GFOAA.
Congratulations to these deserving students!
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GFOAA 34T H A N N UA L CO N F E R E N C E A N D TR A I N I N G SE M I N A R
The GFOAA 2018 Winter Conference was held February 21 – 23, 2018 at The
Westin at Bridge Street, Huntsville, Alabama. The theme of the conference was
“Waves of Change”.
After an afternoon of informative sessions, a welcome reception was held at
the hotel. In addition to lots of good food and socializing, conference attendees
had the opportunity to play Family Feud. Several teams competed and those
who did not play enjoyed watching and cheering the teams on.
Thursday morning and afternoon were filled with sessions on many topics of
interest. The annual business meeting and luncheon were also held Thursday.
GFOAA awarded the Award for Innovations in Government Finance to the Ala-
bama Department of Revenue for the Alabama eID Program that helps detect
income tax fraud. Deputy Commissioner, Brenda Coone accepted the award.
Friday morning, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle welcomed everyone to Hunts-
ville and gave an update on exciting things happening in the City. The confer-
ence ended at noon Friday. Conference chairperson, Cathy Hoekensnieder and
her committee did an excellent job planning the conference.
GFOAA selected the Alabama eID project as the winner of the GFOAA Award for Innova-
tions in Government Finance (technology category). The awards program recognizes innovations
and outstanding contributions in the field of government finance.
It is GFOAA’s hope that bringing recognition to implemented innovative ideas will pro-
vide additional knowledge and create opportunities for all governmental entities to improve their
financial practices while inspiring others to seek innovative solutions to fundamental problems
in public finance.
Deputy Revenue Commissioner Brenda Coone accepted the award on the Department's behalf at GFOAA’s an-
nual conference in February.
Sponsors Platinum
BBVA Compass Trustmark
Gold
Regions Corporate Trust
PFM Financial Advisors LLC
Silver
Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith LLC
Econics Southern Software Inc.
S & P Global SunTrust Bank
Tyler Technologies, Inc.
Wells Fargo
Bronze
American Data Group
Caselle Point and Pay
BS&A Software Vendor Registry Inc.
Maximus Consulting Services
General
STIFEL Warren Averett
GFOAA Past Presidents attending the
34th Annual Conference are pictured
(Front Row) Mike Wright, Sarah Wil-
liams, Ruby Neely, Steve Boone, and
Ronnie Burlison.
(Back Row) Roger Rendleman, Derek
Reeves, Allison Edge, Charles Clack,
Charles Hagood, and Rob Terry.
A WA R D F O R I N N OVA T I O N S I N G OV E R N M E N T F I N A N C E A L A B A M A D E PA R T M E N T O F R E V E N U E
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UP COM I N G EV EN TS
2018 CGAT Summer Conference
July 13, 2018
Courtyard Marriott Auburn
2420 West Pace Blvd.
Auburn, Alabama 36830
Click Here for More Information
GFOAA Quarterly Board Meeting
August 15, 2018
Hampton Inn and Suites
25518 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Details TBA
CGAT Certified Government Accounting Technician
May 23, 2018—Fund Accounting (core)
All classes to be held at the University of Alabama
Bryant Conference Center
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Registration fee $150.00
(Includes Lunch)
For additional information, click here.
GFOAA 2018 Summer Conference and
Training Program
August 15-17, 2018
Hampton Inn and Suites
25518 Perdido Beach Blvd.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Click Here For More Information
Join your GFOAA friends and
colleagues for fun in the sun
at the
GFOAA 2018 Summer
Conference and Training
Program
August 15—17, 2018
Orange Beach, Alabama
The Quarterly Board of Directors meeting was held December
14, 2017 in Birminham, Alabama. President Keren Deal
called the meeting to order at 5:08 p.m. Minutes of the Au-
gust 16, 2017 board meeting were reviewed and approved.
Treasurer’s Report—Kathy James presented financial infor-
mation for the organization, reporting total assets of
$169,444.87 on November 30, 2017. Bank Statements of
the Operating Account for August 1 through November 30,
2017 and a printout of the APCO Savings Account as of Sep-
tember 30, 2017 were provided. The Treasurer’s report was
approved.
Administrative Assistant’s Report—Jamie Moyers gave the
report. A discussion was held regarding the inability for Spon-
sors to pay online. The biggest issue is being able to identify
between a Yearly Sponsor versus an Annual Conference Spon-
sor. It was agreed to contact STAR Chapter to set up program-
ming for Sponsorship online acceptance using Annual Spon-
sorship, Winter Sponsorship and Summer Sponsorship. This
would also allow GFOAA the ability to indicate when the Sum-
mer Conference Sponsorships are full.
Public Information Officer—Charles Clack has started work-
ing on the 2019 Annual Conference Flyer. The next Newslet-
ter will be coming out in January. President Deal explained
that she and Charles are working with a graphic designer to
create a new logo for GFOAA. The options will be emailed to
officers and board members and will be presented at the
2018 Annual Conference. Sarah Williams made a request to
provide new pictures and ideas for updating the website.
Committee Reports –
Professional Development – Co-Chair Sarita Tapscott indi-
cated the Committee has been communicating and they are
preparing for the 2018 Summer Conference. A proposed
budget and a contract for Hampton Inn was provided. A dis-
cussion was held regarding the four scholarships that were
awarded for 2017. The deadline for 2018-2019 Scholarship
applications is February 15, 2018. Allison also discussed
standardizing the CGAT course work. Keren will reach out to
University of Alabama and request the Manuals for updating.
Communication and Engagement - Co-Chair Allison Edge re-
ported that GFOAA participated in University Recruiting events
“Meet the Firms” at Auburn University at Montgomery, Univer-
sity of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Alabama.
Eight new student members were recruited with these visits.
Additional visits are planned for UAB and University of Ala-
bama. A meeting with students from University of Alabama at
Huntsville will be held after the Annual Conference on Friday,
February 23, 2018. Allison stated that the committee still
has work to do regarding the legislative updates for the up-
coming session. A discussion was held regarding providing a
full conference scholarship for students to attend the Winter
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Q U A R T E R L Y B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S M E E T I N G B I R M I N G H A M , A L A B A M A D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 7
and Summer Conferences. It would need to be opened to all
public universities and an application would be submitted by
students. It was decided to table for now and that this would
best be provided beginning next year after a review of criteria
by the committee and focus for the Winter Conference in Mont-
gomery in 2019.
GAAF Conference – Allison Edge reported there are 141 peo-
ple registered for the conference and 25% of the attendees
were GFOAA members. Allison and Derek are on the GAAF
Committee and met in February 2017 and they presented
ideas to other committee members to improve the overall con-
ference atmosphere. GFOAA representation for 2018 will be by
Michael Rushing, Vita Smith-Parker and Keren Deal.
Annual 2018 Conference—Cathy Hoekenschnieder, Confer-
ence Chair, reported that the quote from the Westin for food
totaled $31K. and does not include alcohol. It was recom-
mended to limit the Open Bar for one hour and 30 minutes. On
the night of dinner, it was suggested that a Cocktail Hour be
held and then Cash Bar after dinner. Speakers are all con-
firmed. President Deal reminded everyone that students from
University of Alabama at Huntsville’s Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting
Honor Society) will be having lunch with the Board right after
Winter Conference is finished on Friday, February 23. A boxed
lunch will be provided. The goal is for the students to see pub-
lic service as an option.
Old Business
GFOAA Goals – President Deal stated that the goals would be
revisited during the Strategic Planning meeting in August 2018.
Scholarship for GFOA Annual Conference – President Deal
stated an individual must already be a member of GFOA to ap-
ply and receive the “First Time Attendee Scholarship.” A dis-
cussion was also held regarding the Alabama Reception in St.
Louis. There is not a free night available with the current
agenda. It was recommended that a reception not be held in
St. Louis.
Local Government Awards – President Deal asked for nomi-
nees for these awards. The Large government entities includes
State of Alabama, Montgomery County, Mobile County, Madison
County; Medium Government is 50K plus population and Small
Government covers any population at 49,999 and below.
Membership – President Deal provided the demographics of
the current membership. Most memberships come from cities
and towns. There has been growth in Boards of Education and
Student memberships. There is a decline in state employee
memberships; however, growth is expected with the new rule
for reimbursement of actual expenses now available to state
employees. Total membership as of December 14, 2017 is
379 including 20 Associate Members. Total membership is up
by 39 members from last year and 100 members from 2014.
Continued on Page 6.
New Business
Summer Conference 2018 Contract – Sarita Tapscott, Sum-
mer Conference Chair, requested approval to enter into a con-
tract with Hampton Inn and Suites in Orange Beach for the
2018 Summer Conference. Board approval was given. The
expectation is to move the Summer Conference to the Gulf
State Park Lodge and Conference Center upon completion.
Review of Contracts – President Deal reviewed a listing of
upcoming contracts that are scheduled for renewal and will be
discussed in detail at the Executive Board Meeting in January.
Contracts to be reviewed are for CGAT, Public Information
Officer, and Administrative Assistant.
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Q U A R T E R L Y B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S M E E T I N G , C O N T I N U E D B I R M I N G H A M , A L A B A M A D E C E M B E R 1 4 , 2 0 1 7
Request for Emeritus Status – A request was received from
Faye Eford with the Birmingham Police Department for Emeri-
tus Status. After verifying eligibility, a vote will be taken at the
February 21, 2018 meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
For a complete copy of the minutes, contact President Sarita
Tapscott or any board member.
GFOAA has a new logo! The GFOAA Officers and Board of Directors have selected a new
logo which will now be used on all GFOAA publications and promotional materials. In designing the
logo, care was taken to retain the trademark hunter green color while depicting the entire State of
Alabama since our membership is comprised from all over the state.
GFOAA UP DATES LOG O !
CGFO REVO C ATI O N S
The following individuals have not supplied renewal information for their CGFO certificates: therefore,
they no longer have CGFO status. They are not permitted to use the designation (initials) on their business
cards, their stationary, nor in any document demonstrating their expertise.
Karen Lusk-Smith
Linda Steele
President:
Sarita Tapscott
Office: 256-426-6663
First Vice President:
Derek Reeves
Office: 205-248-5513
Second Vice President:
Kathy James
Office: 334-501-7234 [email protected]
Secretary:
Kathleen Baxter
Office: 334-242-4857
Treasurer:
Barbi Lee
Office: 334-353-0856
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BOAR D OF D I R EC TO R S A ND OF FI C ER S A P R I L 1 , 2 0 1 8 — M A R C H 3 1 , 2 0 1 9
Associate Director
Mike Diehl
Office: 850-466-4053
Immediate Past President
Keren Deal
Office: 334-244-3971
Administrative Assistant
Jamie Moyers
Office: 334-312-2770
Public Information Officer
Melinda Clack
Phone: 334-567-0393
Directors:
Donald L. Mims
Office: 334-832-1212
Cody Patterson
Office: 706-321-2224, ext.7106
Michael L. Rushing
Office: 334-242-1063
Cathy C. Hoekenschnieder
Office: 256-427-5087
Erika K. Sprouse
Office: 334-501-7235
Vita Smith-Parker
Office: 205-254-1738
GFOAA OF FI C E ADMI N I STRATION
Please notify Jamie Moyers to change your address, or other pertinent information,
at the following address:
P. O. Box 240574
Montgomery, AL 36124-0574
Phone: 334–312-2770 or
Email: [email protected]
$$ money ta lk $$
Professional Development Committee
Derek Reeves
Office: 205-248-5513
Communication and Engagement Committee
Keren Deal
Office: 334-244-3971
Page 8
CO MMI TTEE FU N C TION S
CO MMI TTEE CHA IR P ER SO N S
Professional Development Committee
The Professional Development Committee is responsible for the Certified Government Finance
Officer (CGFO) program, the Certified Governmental Accounting Technician (CGAT) program,
Education and Conferences, and Scholarships and Awards.
Communication and Engagement Committee
The Communication and Engagement Committee is responsible for:
Governmental Relations— Monitors legislative issues and provides a summary of bills passed
that impact the membership.
Service—Develops and maintains outreach and community service projects for member in-
volvement.
Communications and Marketing—Promotes GFOAA through effective marketing and promotes
the Scholarship and Awards programs.
P. O. Box 240574
Montgomery, AL
36124-0574
Government Finance Off icers
Association of A labama
$$ MONEY TALK $$ The Alabama Journal of Government Finance
Editor: Melinda J. Clack
57 Blue Pine Lane
Wetumpka, Alabama 36093
Mission Statement
The mission of the Government Finance Officers Association of Alabama is to provide a professional association for gov-ernment finance personnel dedicated to professional develop-ment, educational opportunities, and collaboration.