AGA - National Leadership Conference

Gene L. Dodaro, CGFM, Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Government Accountability Office

Thomas N. Cooley, Chief Financial Officer and Director, Office of the Budget, Finance and Award Management, National Science Foundation

Diana Jones Ritter, Commissioner, Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, State of New York

Gwendolyn Sykes, MPA, CGFM, Chief Financial Officer, Yale University; Member, AGA National Executive Committee

The Partnership for Intergovernmental Management and Accountability, established by AGA, is comprised of 16 high-ranking officials from the federal, state and local levels of government and higher education. The Partnership is dedicated to identifying and solving some of the most vexing financial management and accountability issues facing governments today. Learn about the project that has been touted as a “minor miracle” by Governing magazine.

10:40 – 11:50 a.m.
T102: Shared Services—What Should You Want? What Should You Expect?

Douglas J. Bourgeois, Director, National Business Center, U.S. Department of the Interior

Zack E. Gaddy, CGFM, Director, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, U.S. Department of Defense

Most of us will be moving to a shared services environment in the foreseeable future. Issues to be considered include controls, risk management, service level agreements, COOP and more. Hear from executives of two of the government’s largest service providers on what you should want and what you should expect from your provider in the way of services, costs and performance.

Jeffery H. Davis, M.Ed., Leadership Development Consultant, Organization Renewal Associates

Four distinct generations are active in the workforce today (Silents, Boomers, X-ers and Y’s). Get an insightful look at how each of these groups think and act differently in the workplace, and how managers can effectively tap into the strengths of each group to produce a more effective and pleasant working environment.

2 – 3 p.m.
T104: The Presidency, Congress and the Press—A Current Perspective

As one of the most respected and admired journalists in Washington, Jay Carney keeps his eye squarely on the personalities, issues and public opinions that shape contemporary politics. Through his insightful observations and amusing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, this Washington insider analyzes and evaluates the elections, actions of Congress, the White House and more. Hear his unique and unbiased perspective on the current political landscape.

2 - 3 p.m.
AGA's First Government Finance Case Challenge – Finals

College teams from across the country collaboratively analyzed and offered a 10-page written response to a case centered on how a U.S. city government implements a performance management system. Out of the six participating universities, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Texas at Dallas were selected as finalists in this competition. Each team will offer a maximum 25-minute presentation of their case response to a panel of judges at the NLC. The winning team will receive cash prizes and one free year of membership to AGA. Best wishes to both teams!

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
T105: Managing Through Political Transitions, or, How to Take a Smooth Ride on a Bumpy Road

Daniel L. Fletcher, CPA, Director, Office of Financial Management, U.S. Department of the Interior

As civil servants, many of us sooner or later will go through a transition of power. It happens at all levels of government, and any transition, even within the same party, can be unsettling. This year promises to be a doozy. Hear some strategies for coping with new bosses, new ideas and new priorities at the state and federal levels.

Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008