Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I begin my term as GFOAT President by saying “thank you” to the membership for allowing me to serve as your president for 2010/11, and to all the dedicated professionals who have served before me.  It is truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of so many talented individuals who are committed to this profession and who have given so much to this organization. I promise to do my best to uphold this tradition.

I want to personally thank Kent Pfiel for his service as President last year and to thank Beverly Queen as she concludes her service on the Board.  Kent will continue his service as Immediate Past President.  Kent has provided critical leadership as we begin the implementation of the GFOAT Strategic Plan.  Under his guidance, the GFOAT Board has revised and updated our membership fee schedule and worked to enhance and expand training opportunities throughout the organization.  This is an initiative I intend to continue in the upcoming year. 

The training survey that was recently completed showed that “training needs” vary throughout the state and there is no “one-size” fits all answer.  Looking to the future, our organization needs to “think outside the box” and embrace new forms of training and communication.  The Board is considering Webinars and other types of targeted training.  In addition, potential changes to the standard conference format may be recommended.  A special task force to review options and training materials is also in the works.  GFOAT is a resource of individuals who have gained experience and knowledge throughout their careers and are willing to share those experiences with the next generation of finance professionals.  There is the potential to lose much of this organizational knowledge and experience as baby boomers (of which I am one) see “the light at the end of the tunnel” and retirement on the horizon, thus leaving the way for the next generation to lead the organization.  I believe it is critical for GFOAT to encourage membership expansion and organizational involvement to prepare for this change. Membership expansion is always a challenge, but we must actively recruit the next generation of organizational leaders.  In addition, our membership is ever changing, as younger, less experienced people enter the profession. GFOAT must change to meet their needs.  Reaching out to this new generation of government finance professionals will be a challenge for the upcoming year.  New forms of social and professional communication, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can be opportunities to provide added value to our membership.

I want to encourage you to get involved, be on committee or participate as a Regional Director.  Also, reach out to the finance professionals in your surrounding cities and encourage them to join GFOAT and become part of this great organization.  I also want to thank Karen Rhodes-Whitley as she concludes her term as Immediate Past President.  I have no doubt; she like so many other past presidents will still be actively involved in the organization.  
In closing, I want to thank you again for allowing me to service as your president and I look forward to continuing the tradition of helping this organization meet the challenges ahead.

Until next month,

Micki Rundell
President

City of Goliad-City Administrator
Job Posted on: 7/28/2010
Closing Date: 8/18/2010
Salary: DOQ

City of Cedar Park-Assistant Director of Finance
Job Posted on: 7/22/2010
Closing Date: 9/20/2010
Salary: Starting monthly salary $5,660.00 + DOQ

Town of Little Elm-Assistant Finance Director
Job Posted on: 7/19/2010
Closing Date: 7/30/2010
Salary: DOQ

City of Kyle-City Manager
Job Posted on: 7/13/2010
Closing Date: 9/11/2010
Salary: $116,000 starting

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Professional Development - CGFO:   Contact suzette@gfoat.org Next testing dates:  August 12 Georgetown; November 17 Galveston

Regional 8 & 13 News (DFW): Contact Alan at adickerson@littleelm.org.  Welcome Linda Bantz and Monika Arris!

Regional 16 News (Deep East):  Welcomes Cheryl Dowden, Nederland as new regional co-chair.

Need justification and explanation for why those financial reports need to be completed in a timely manner??? Check out GASB's Chairman Attmore and AICPA's Melancon in "Trust in Timing" in Governing Magazine, July 15, 2010

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