National Awards

Robert W. King Memorial Award
Established in honor of the Association’s founding president, this award is conferred in the form of a gold medallion to an Association member for distinguished service of such significance that it has greatly enhanced the Association’s national prestige and stature.

Jeffrey S. Hart, CGFM, CFE, AGA’s Denver Chapter; Acting Comptroller and Director, Fiscal Management and Planning, Mountain and Plains Region, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; AGA Past National President

In recognition of Mr. Hart’s extraordinary commitment, tireless dedication and sustained outstanding leadership to AGA at the chapter, regional and national levels for more than three decades. During his year as National President, Mr. Hart tied all his efforts to AGA’s four core values—Service, Accountability, Integrity and Leadership. He established AGA’s first National Community Service Project in June 2007, which continues today, rebuilding homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. He organized a two-day visit by Comptroller General David Walker and his “Fiscal Wakeup Tour” in Denver and reached out to financial management organizations in other countries. Mr. Hart has significantly enhanced AGA’s national prestige and stature in the government accountability profession.

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Einhorn-Gary Award
This award formally recognizes major contributions to advancing government accountability and contributions that have significantly enhanced AGA’s prestige and stature.

Wendy M. Payne, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Executive Director, Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board

In recognition of Ms. Payne’s 16 years as an employee and the executive director of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), where she has led the research and development of a wide array of highly respected and effective accounting concepts and standards. In that role, she helped FASAB work through a number of challenging issues and achieve recognition from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) standards-setter for the federal government. She demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to improving federal financial accounting and reporting and promoting AGA’s mission with the utmost integrity and objectivity.

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Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award
This award is conferred upon individuals in government service who have provided sustained, outstanding leadership in financial management over a period of years, resulting in notable contributions to the profession.

S. Anthony McCann, Associate Administrator and Chief Financial Officer, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

In recognition of Mr. McCann’s more than 25 years of sustained outstanding leadership and notable contributions to financial management in both state and federal government service and his leadership in increasing interest, growth and development within his staff and his students in the field of financial management. As Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, he passed the first statutory framework for a departmental inspector general that resulted in a first-year savings of $11 million; he eliminated deficits totaling more that $130 million and implemented reforms that reduced the department’s overall budget by over $100 million in the first year. His knowledge of health care and financial issues resulted in his appointment to presidential commissions and task forces that recommended over $11 billion in reforms that were enacted in the Medicaid Modernization Act. 

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Achievement of the Year Award
This award provides national recognition to an individual for outstanding achievement in developing, implementing or improving financial management during the past year.

Office of the Deputy Chief Financial Officer (DCFO) and the Office of Financial Management (OFM), U.S. Department of the Treasury

Al Runnels, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Acting Chief Financial Officer, formerly Deputy Chief Financial Officer

James R. Lingebach, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Director of Accounting and Internal Control

Don Geiger, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Director of Accounting

Elaine Munroe, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Director of Internal Control

David Legge, Director of Office of Financial Management

In recognition of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Financial Management for their hard work in maintaining the department’s unqualified audit opinion on its financial statements while tackling new economic challenges. These challenges included conservatorship of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the new mortgage-backed security purchase program, the Temporary Guarantee Program for Money Market Funds in FY2008, and the Troubled Assets Relief Program in FY2009. The fact that the department was able to maintain a clean audit opinion during these times of economic uncertainty and with new and unprecedented transactions occurring is an enormous accomplishment.

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Educator Award
This award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the education and training of government financial managers.

Larita J. Killian, Ed.D., CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Greater Columbus Chapter; Assistant Professor of Accounting, Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus

In recognition of Ms. Killian’s hard work and dedication in developing multiple materials and programs to educate government financial managers, to prepare students to become government managers and to help candidates prepare for the CGFM Examinations. In addition to teaching innovative courses in government and nonprofit management, she advises student teams in AGA’s annual Case Challenge and mentored college students preparing the Citizen-Centric Report with the city of Columbus, IN. Ms. Killian also speaks and writes frequently on governmental accountability, helping to link academia with the challenges of “real-world” government financial managers.

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Cornelius E. Tierney/Ernst & Young Research Award
This award recognizes an individual who throughout his or her career has made continuous contributions to governmental financial management by direct participation in research activities and/or through encouragement and support of others engaged in government financial management research.

Richard L. Fontenrose, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Assistant Director, Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board

In recognition of Mr. Fontenrose’s 17 years of research that has been used to develop federal accounting and reporting standards that have improved the transparency of federal financial statements. His exceptional efforts in developing standards on accounting for social insurance will result in the availability of more accurate and transparent information that citizens can use to make well-informed decisions for themselves and their government.

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Emerging Leader Award of Excellence
This award recognizes younger government financial managers for notable contributions toward excellence in financial management. It is hoped that this recognition will encourage others to achieve early in their professional lives.

Michelle Earhart, CPA, AGA’s Nashville Chapter; Financial Oversight Coordinator, Department of Finance and Administration, State of Tennessee

In recognition of Ms. Earhart’s leadership in providing transparency and accountability for the more than $5 billion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds available to the State of Tennessee. It is conservatively estimated that the taxpayers will save in excess of $150 million through her leadership in enterprise risk management and implementation of front-end controls and processes to mitigate fraud, waste and abuse of stimulus funds.

Mark A. Searight, Senior Auditor, Fort Belvoir Field Office, U.S. Army Audit Agency, U.S. Department of Defense

In recognition of Mr. Searight’s significant contributions to improving the efficiencies and effectiveness of how the U.S. Army uses its resources. With just over eight years experience as an auditor with the U.S. Army Audit Agency, he has excelled at numerous opportunities, constantly accepting greater responsibilities and achieving high quality results, including his work on monitoring security guard contracts, identifying high-level problems at the Defense Contract Audit Agency, and two audits for the multinational forces in Iraq. He is an exceptional team player with unlimited leadership potential.

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International Achievement Award
This award recognizes leadership or outstanding achievement in international government financial management.

Robert F. Dacey, JD, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Northern Virginia Chapter; Chief Accountant, U.S. Government Accountability Office, member, Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board

In recognition of Mr. Dacey’s outstanding commitment and dedication to the development of international accounting and auditing standards and interaction with the international accounting community. He has actively participated in International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board and is a member of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions Subcommittee on Accounting and Reporting. He has researched and written extensively on international issues, and provides expert advice and counsel to the Comptroller General and to GAO teams on accounting and auditing matters.

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Author Award
This award recognizes the article published this year in The Journal of Government Financial Management that makes the most significant contribution to the literature of the profession, as chosen by the Journal Editorial Board.

Jeffrey C. Steinhoff, CGFM, CPA, CFE, AGA’s Northern Virginia Chapter; Director, KPMG LLP, and Robert F. Dacey, JD, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Northern Virginia Chapter; Chief Accountant, U.S. Government Accountability Office

“The Government Management Reform Act of 1994: A Retrospective of Achievements and Remaining Challenges and a Look to the Future” Winter 2008.

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National Treasurer’s Award
This award recognizes the contributions of the Association’s National Treasurer.

Thad Juszczak, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Director, Grant Thornton, LLP; AGA National Treasurer

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President’s Awards
Each year, the National President presents special awards to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the success of the Association’s programs during that president’s term. This year, National President Samuel T. Mok, CGFM, CIA, is pleased to present awards to the following individuals to recognize their outstanding personal contribution and commitment above and beyond the call of duty in providing advice, support and guidance during his term.

William J. Anderson Jr., CGFM, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Manager, Professional Development, U.S. Government Accountability Office; AGA Past National President

Jonathan D. Breul, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Partner, IBM Global Business Services

Lisa Casias, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Deputy Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce; AGA National President-Elect Designate

Cmdr. Daniel J. Christovich, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Former Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Cost Guard (retired)

Jeanette M. Franzel, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Northern Virginia Chapter; Managing Director, Finance Management and Assurance, U.S. Government Accountability Office

Ira Goldstein, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; National Director, Federal Practice, Deloitte

Thomas R. Greiner, CGFM, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Partner, Accenture

Marion M. Higa, AGA’s Hawaii Chapter; State Auditor, Office of the Legislative Auditor, State of Hawaii

Thad Juszczak, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Director, Grant Thornton, LLP; AGA National Treasurer

Lisa Kazor, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; President and Chief Executive Officer, Savantage Solutions Inc.

Jane Norris, host of “Federal Drive” on Federal News Radio AM 15

John J. Radford, CGFM, CIA, CFE, AGA’s Mid-Willamette Valley Chapter; State Controller, State Controllers Division, State of Oregon; AGA Senior Vice President

Harold I. Steinberg, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Northern Virginia Chapter; Technical Consultant, AGA

Jeffrey C. Steinhoff, CGFM, CPA, CFE, AGA’s Northern Virginia Chapter; Director, KPMG LLP; AGA Past National President

Gwendolyn Sykes, MPA, CGFM, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Chief Financial Officer, Yale University; AGA Senior Vice President

Clifton A. Williams, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Partner, Grant Thornton LLP

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Chapter Education Awards
These awards recognize chapters that have done an outstanding job in providing educational programs to its members and other accountability professionals.

Group A: New York Capital Chapter
James C. Cox, CGFM, Chapter Vice President for Programs and Education; Audit Manager, Office of Audit Services, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

In recognition of AGA’s New York Capital Chapter for its outstanding efforts to provide comprehensive, diverse, innovative, high quality and affordable continuing professional education programs and networking opportunities for its members and other accountability professionals throughout New York’s capital region and beyond. This year, the chapter has provided more than 18,000 total CPE hours to over 530 accountability professionals.

Group B: Virginia Peninsula Chapter
Tanya Renica, Chapter President; Accountant, Financial Management and Transformation Office, U.S. Coast Guard, Donna Miller, Chapter President-Elect; Staff Accountant, Office of Financial Management, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Stephanie Mandel, Education Director; Financial Specialist, Office of Financial Management, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Group C: Guam Chapter
Maripaz Perez, CGFM, CGAP, Education Co-Chair; Auditor, Office of the Public Auditor, Guam; and Zeny Asuncion-Nace, CGFM, CPA, CFE, Education Co-Chair; Comptroller, University of Guam

In recognition of AGA’s Guam Chapter for its high-quality education programs. The Guam Chapter has played a pivotal role in increasing the competencies of government accountants and financial managers in Guam and Micronesia. The chapter works with the executive and legislative branches of local government to ensure funding is provided. The chapter and the Government of Guam then identify appropriate courses and co-sponsor events with the Guam Society of CPAs.

Group D: Lincoln Chapter
Tim Baker, Chapter President; Financial Services Specialist, Department of Education, State of Nebraska

In recognition of AGA’s Lincoln Chapter for its success in empowering its most valuable asset, its members. The chapter has consistently sought to provide the accountability community with high-quality and high-value educational opportunities. Its biannual Professional Development Conferences are leading the way for government accountability training in Nebraska and are responsible for greatly expanding the chapter’s membership.

Group E: Ozarks Chapter
Martha Mundt, CGFM, Education Director; Financial Analyst, City of Springfield, MO

In recognition of AGA’s Ozarks Chapter for the success of its education program this year, aided in part by a planning retreat that will become an annual event. The chapter also held its first joint seminar with other professional organizations, a new 8-hour seminar on Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and a class on Comprehensive Annual Financial Report to university students.

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Chapter Service Awards
These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their chapters.

Group A: New York Capital Chapter
James C. Cox, CGFM, Chapter Vice President for Programs and Education; Audit Manager, Office of Audit Services, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

In recognition of Mr. Cox’s leadership, commitment and dedication to the New York Capital Chapter since 1994. He has been involved in many aspects of the chapter, including strategic planning, operations, development of policies and procedures for the chapter, and coordination of educational and early careers programs.

Group B: Boston Chapter
Julia P. Burns, CGFM, Vice President for Education and Programs; Director, General Accounting Bureau, Office of the State Comptroller, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

In recognition of Ms. Burns’ leadership and commitment, which has contributed greatly to the chapter, particularly its education and community service programs. She has served in multiple leadership roles at the chapter and regional levels. She encourages participation in chapter events, promotes the successes of AGA members and has been instrumental in the chapter’s continued success.

Group C: Central Kentucky Chapter
Phillip E. Nally, CGFM, Attendance/Communications Director; Accounting Systems Consultant

In recognition of Mr. Nally’s sustained leadership and tireless service to the Central Kentucky Chapter since 1987 in various executive committee positions, including two terms as president. His work has contributed to the chapter remaining vital and growing, as he is consistently a top recruiter

Group D: Lincoln Chapter
Tim Baker, Chapter President; Financial Services Specialist, Department of Education, State of Nebraska

In recognition of Mr. Baker’s consistent leadership in all the chapter’s efforts, including stepping into the role of president unexpectedly, bringing in 40 new members, improving participation and increasing communications with chapter members. He personifies the best AGA has to offer and truly exemplifies that AGA attracts the highest caliber individuals.

Group E: Fort Worth Chapter
Robert H. Kanaga, CGFM, Chapter President; Senior Auditor, Defense Contract Audit Agency (retired)

In recognition of Mr. Kanaga’s hard work and dedication to revitalizing AGA’s Fort Worth Chapter. A member of the chapter for 25 years, Mr. Kanaga contacted government representatives in the area and helped organize a revitalization meeting, which resulted in agency support, monthly chapter executive committee meetings, audio conferences and community service events.

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Community Service Awards
These awards recognize chapters that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community service.

Group A: New York Capital Chapter
Nicole Van Hoesen, Chapter Vice President for Community Service; State Program Examiner, Office of State Comptroller, State of New York

In recognition of AGA’s New York Capital Chapter for its outstanding support and personal leadership in many community service projects. The number of members who actively participate in the projects and the level of chapter donations to good causes illustrate the chapter’s commitment to “giving something back to the community.” This year, chapter efforts generated a staggering $19,075 in total donations, benefiting 18 worthy organizations.

Group B: Boston Chapter
David LeBlanc, CGFM, Chapter Vice President of Communication, Regional Vice President for New England; Director, Audit and Compliance Unit, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

In recognition of AGA’s Boston Chapter for its significant involvement in and commitment to community service. Under the outstanding leadership of the Chapter Executive Committee and the Community Service Committee, the chapter members have enhanced the recognition of the AGA throughout the greater Boston area by supporting local charities, mentoring young adults and volunteering at local charitable events.

Group C: New Orleans Chapter
Pamela B. Lincoln, CGFM, Awards Chair; Computer Specialist, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, National Finance Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture

In recognition of AGA’s New Orleans Chapter for collaborating to rebuild homes in New Orleans with national AGA leaders and the Habitat for Humanity organization over three years. By one estimate as many as 20,000 buildings in the city remain uninhabitable after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Twenty-five percent of chapter members participated in the community service project while many of the members themselves were rebuilding their home. The chapter, in partnership with the AGA National Community Service Project leaders, took a proactive approach to ensuring a successful project.

Group D: Portland Chapter
Jan M. Wilson, Community Service Director; Accountant, Bonneville Power Administration

In recognition of AGA’s Portland Chapter for its outstanding support and involvement in community service activities helping those in need, fund-raising for nonprofit organizations, teaching money management and supporting tax preparation and financial education. The chapter’s exemplary commitment and dedication have significantly enhanced AGA’s prestige and stature in the community.

Group E: Ozarks Chapter
Jerry Mitchell, CGFM, CPA, Past President; Superintendent of Business Operations, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, City of Springfield, MO

In recognition of AGA’s Ozarks Chapter for its support of the Weller Elementary School in Springfield, MO, which purchased “math advantage” kits for several classrooms with $2,500 raised by the chapter in a golf tournament. Fifth-graders were also treated to lunch and an inspirational speech by AGA members.

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Chapter CGFM Awards
This award recognizes AGA chapters that have done an outstanding job in promoting the CGFM Program to its members, other accountability professionals and their communities.

Group A: Northern Virginia Chapter
James B. Davis Jr., CGFM Chair; Senior Auditor, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Defense

In recognition of AGA’s Northern Virginia Chapter for its significant and continuous commitment to providing a diverse and aggressive CGFM Program, which has brought great benefit and publicity to the members, the region, the community, and to other professional associations and agencies.

Group B: Baton Rouge Chapter
Kimneye S. Cox, Chapter President; Accountant Manager, Department of Health and Hospitals, State of Louisiana, and Margaret Bethea, CGFM, CGFM Director; Accountant, Office of Community Development, State of Louisiana

In recognition of AGA’s Baton Rouge Chapter, for the many ways it encourages its members to earn the CGFM designation, including A $100 incentive, easy access to the study guides, high-quality CPE opportunities and increased awareness of the CGFM through name recognition in newsletter articles, membership applications, word of mouth and proclamations from the state and seven cities.

Group C: Guam Chapter
Doreen T. Crisostomo, CGFM, CGFM Coordinator; Deputy Superintendent, Finance and Administrative Services, Public School System, Guam

In recognition of AGA’s Guam Chapter for promoting the CGFM designation by sponsoring the Government Financial Management courses to prepare for the three examinations, by discussing the benefits of the CGFM with accounting majors at the University of Guam, increasing awareness of the CGFM with the legislature and encouraging the Guam Office of the Public Auditor to offer a one-step pay increase to employees who pass the CGFM Examinations.

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Regional Coordinator Awards
This award recognizes AGA Regional Coordinators who have done an outstanding job in assisting chapters in the areas of certification, chapter assistance and development, education and membership/early careers.

Walter V. Darling Jr., Mid-Western Regional Coordinator for Education; Chief Finance Officer, Kansas Highway Patrol (retired)

In recognition of Mr. Darling’s dedication to improving communication among chapters in the region, and helping them find top-quality speakers, upcoming educational opportunities and cost-effective training events. He also held a regional team brainstorming session for potential educational offerings to generate income for regional purposes, such as website maintenance or PDC scholarship.

Melinda Richter, Mid-Western Regional Coordinator for Early Careers; Grants Manager, Attorney General’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, State of Kansas

In recognition of Ms. Richter’s enthusiasm and energy in motivating chapters to organize new activities to attract young professionals. She organizes monthly conference calls, shares best practices within the region and aggressively marketed AGA’s Case Challenge to college students in the region. She also brings Topeka Chapter early careers members together for discussions, networking and strategic planning. As a result of her quiet, thoughtful leadership, Mid-Western chapters are experiencing increased success with early career efforts.

 

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