Adrienne Lothery
Budget Coordinater
Town of Flower Mound


What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as a Government Finance Officer?
As I am relatively new to the profession, I can’t claim to have changed the world or anything (yet), so I will share my latest small joy.  I have put together two budget books so far, and in that time the ratings we have received from the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award reviewers have markedly improved.  We have reduced the number of “Does Not Satisfy” marks from 12 down to 4 and increased the number of “Outstanding” marks from 0 to 13.  Since I know how few people actually read the budget book I spend months putting together, it is nice to know that those who do read it like it!

What was one of your greatest learning experiences in your government finance career?
Attending my first GFOAT Conference last fall in Fort Worth.  This was when I recognized that I had found my place.  While my fellow MPA students dreamed of jobs in the City Manager’s Office, I longed for a path that was challenging, with a teamwork attitude and an atmosphere of good fellowship.  I think this describes government finance departments and their staff.

Who has influenced or had a great impact on you and your career in government finance?
Skip Krueger, professor in the MPA program at the University of North Texas.  Despite my undergraduate business degree, I never thought looking at Excel sheets all day sounded like fun.  Somehow, he made it fun.  Perhaps the dollars and decimals in the Excel sheets become more interesting once you understand how important it is to be a good steward of public funds.  Dr. Krueger attached tangible meaning to the work of Government Finance Officers, which made if feel like a worthwhile career path.

What has been one of your greatest challenges as a Government Finance Officer?
Realizing that government employees can only take their good ideas or changes as far as elected officials allow.  As a student, I always loved government, but thought the only way to be involved or make a difference was to run for political office (which was not appealing).  It did not occur to me until l was considering graduate school that you could have a public service career by being a government employee.  So here I am.  And now I am beginning to realize what changes would be beneficial, but have discovered that elected officials must buy in to your ideas in order for them to be put into action.  It looks like finding the balance between the professional and the political nature of government is a life-long learning process.

What, to date, has been your biggest screw-up, no let’s say ‘on-the-job learning experience’?
When uploading data from our accounting software into our budget software, I only uploaded the 12 months through September to finish out the year.  I was then informed that to complete the year, I must also upload the “13th Month”.  Who knew there were 13 months in a year?!  Only in an accountant’s world

In your crystal ball, what do you see as a future challenge for government finance?
Changing the perception of what services local governments are able to offer.  With revenues no longer increasing every year and as decisions made by other levels of government continue to cost more, something has to give.  Certain pieces of the pie are beginning to consume the budget and the revenue pie seems to be going on a diet.

What words of wisdom would you pass on to a new Government Finance Officer?
Learn as much as you can about everything you can.  Finance is involved in every department and it sure helps to understand what those departments actually do.  Also, volunteer for any projects that need doing.  Any experience can be a good learning experience!

What are your hobbies that help keep you sane?
My husband and I walk our Irish Setter puppy (he looks like Snuffleupagus from Sesame Street) every day after work.  It is a great way to catch up and unwind.  I also love to read and plan trips.  We have been travel junkies lately, trying to take advantage of the few years before kids.

Who is your favorite actor?
Robert Duvall as “Gus” in Lonesome Dove

Who is your favorite singer?
Randy Travis!  And any live music in the Texas hill country.

What was your favorite TV show when you were a kid?
Winnie-the-Pooh

What is your favorite movie?
Lonesome Dove and the 8 hour BBC version of Pride & Prejudice