2020 Fall Conference 2020 Program.pdf · VGFOA Fall Conference 2020 7 VGFOA Past Presidents Date...

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

2 VGFOA Fall Conference 2020

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


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



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



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.”



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


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



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.



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.


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


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


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


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



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

[email protected]

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.

mailto:[email protected]


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.




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

[email protected]

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.




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

[email protected]

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.



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

[email protected]

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.



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

[email protected]

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.



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

APA [email protected]

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).




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.




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.



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

[email protected]

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.



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.






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.

http://www.becpas.com/



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.



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.



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.

jpmorgan.com/cb/government



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.



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.

http://www.usbank.com/



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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