AGA TOPICS Newsletter

Awards to be Presented at AGA's Second Annual National Leadership Conference in February 2004

2003–2004 AGA National Awards Committee Members

John R. Cherbini, CGFM, Committee Chair
Karen C. Alderman, CGFM
Robert Attmore, CGFM
Angela D. Billings, CGFM
Virginia S. Brizendine, CGFM
Jack L. Dyer, DBA, CGFM
Natwar M. Gandhi, CGFM
Dale R. Geiger, DBA, CGFM
Donald V. Hammond
Jesse W. Hughes, Ph.D., CGFM
Norwood J. Jackson, Jr.
Daniel G. Kyle, Ph.D., CGFM
Linda L. Long, CGFM
Francis E. Reardon, CGFM
Gerald A. Silva, CGFM
Jeffrey C. Steinhoff, CGFM
John D. Webster, CGFM 
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State & Local Government Leadership Awards  

EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD

To formally recognize government professionals who exemplify and promote excellence in government, outstanding leadership, high ethical standards and innovative management procedures.

 Lawrence F. Alwin, CGFM, AGA’s Austin Chapter, State Auditor, State of Texas.  In recognition of Mr. Alwin’s 18 years as the Texas State Auditor, during which time he has transformed the State Auditor’s Office (SAO) into a progressive and innovative audit organization that is nationally and internationally known for its expertise in financial and performance auditing, performance evaluation and performance measurement. SAO auditing practices are now being widely used by others throughout the country. Mr. Alwin has devoted himself to the financial management profession throughout his career and has been an active member and a tireless leader in a number of leading financial organizations, which have recognized his leadership with various resolutions, citations and awards.

WILLIAM R. SNODGRASS DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD

To formally recognize state government professionals who exemplify and promote excellence in government financial management and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in enhancing sound financial management legislation, regulations, practices, policies, and systems.

 Laura J. Mester, AGA’s Greater Lansing Chapter, Director of Financial Control Division, State of Michigan. In recognition of Ms. Mester’s career as a multi-talented financial manager who led the State of Michigan’s effort to produce a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in 87 days, saving the state more than $5 million in year-end book closing costs and more than 125,000 hours of staff time, setting a new record for a state releasing timely financial statements to the public.

DISTINGUISHED LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD

To formally recognize local government professionals who exemplify and promote excellence in government financial management and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in enhancing sound financial management legislation, regulations, practices, policies and systems.

Susan E. Cohen, CGFM, AGA’s Seattle Chapter, City Auditor, City of Seattle. In recognition of Ms. Cohen’s dynamic leadership, which has made a significant contribution to excellence in government auditing and financial management. She is proactive, enthusiastic and innovative in addressing internal control and related financial management/audit issues. Ms. Cohen has a strong sense of personal commitment, dedication, and consistently exhibits the example that many choose to follow. She has earned the recognition reflected in the Distinguished Local Government Leadership Award, and will bring pride to past and future honorees of this award. 

Rita C. Kidd, CGFM, AGA’s Sacramento Chapter, President, Rita C. Kidd Consulting, Inc. In recognition of Ms. Kidd’s more than 20 years of vision, leadership and devotion to the idea that government services can be more efficient and effective without requiring more resources and without higher cost. During the first 13 of these years, Ms. Kidd provided the facilitation and administrative guidance for the employees of one mid-sized, rural California county to exhibit exceptional innovative capability in lowering the cost of government. Her efforts resulted in continued and on-going savings to the Merced County Human Services Agency of approximately $14 million dollars per year based on 1993 dollars. Ms. Kidd retired from public service in 1993, but continues to work with government agencies consulting on business process reengineering and strategic use of technology.

PRIVATE SECTOR FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

To formally recognize financial executives in the private sector who exemplify and promote excellence in state or local government financial management, outstanding leadership, high ethical standards and innovative management techniques.

Donna S. Morea, Executive Vice President, American Management Systems, Inc. In recognition of Ms. Morea’s efforts, which have made improving government financial management her life passion. She began her career 23 years ago working for American Management Systems (AMS) on a financial management system for the District of Columbia. Today, she heads AMS’s entire public sector practice overseeing 2,000 employees who support 375 state and local agencies, all major U.S. defense agencies and more than 100 universities and schools. Most recently, she has championed better government financial management within Congress.
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Federal Leadership Awards

Distinguished Federal Leadership Award

To formally recognize elected or Presidentially-appointed federal officials who exemplify and promote excellence in government management and have demonstrated outstanding leadership in enhancing sound financial management legislation, regulations, practices, policies and systems.

Nikki L. Tinsley, AGA’s Northern Virginia Chapter, Inspector General, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In recognition of Ms. Tinsley’s extraordinary vision, dedication and impact on governmental financial management and performance systems, and her personal leadership in advancing the profession and demonstrating the value of governmental auditing programs.

Elmer Staats Award

To formally recognize federal professionals who exemplify and promote excellence in government, outstanding leadership, high ethical standards and innovative management procedures.

Irwin T. David, CGFM, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter, Chief Financial Officer, National Atmospheric and Ocean Administration. In recognition of Mr. David’s consistently high career achievements in government financial and performance management. His outstanding leadership, high ethical standards and innovative management approaches have made him a role model for his peers and his colleagues.

ANDY BARR AWARD

To formally recognize the financial executives in the private sector who exemplify and promote excellence in government, outstanding leadership, high ethical standards and innovative techniques.