AGA TOPICS Newsletter

Congratulations to the 2009 Leadership Award Recipients

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.

John W. Cox, CPA, Washington, D.C. Chapter, Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
In recognition of Mr. Cox’s leadership in improving internal controls over financial reporting at HUD and modernizing its core financial systems while mitigating high-risk issues identified by the Government Accountability Office. He also volunteered to serve as the co-lead of the CFO Council’s Central Reporting Team working group, established to resolve the $100 billion “out of balance” problem on intragovernmental reconciliations, increasing transparency and accountability on the issue. His leadership in strengthening financial management controls, processes, systems, and information has improved the delivery and results of HUD’s housing and community development 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. 

Sheila O. Conley, CGFM, CPA, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
In recognition Ms. Conley’s exemplary leadership and lasting contributions to strengthen financial management throughout the federal government. Her sustained commitment to improving financial performance since 1992—first as a policy-maker at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and then a practitioner at two Cabinet-level agencies—is a powerful example for the federal financial community that the underlying goals and objectives of the Chief Financial Officers’ (CFO) Act are attainable, meaningful and can drive performance and results. 

 

 

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.

Stephen B. Watson, CGFM, CPA, CMA, CIA, Washington, D.C. Chapter, Senior Partner, Public Sector Financial Management Practice, IBM Global Business Services
In recognition of Mr. Watson’s leadership in providing high-quality performance and program improvement recommendations to improve financial management at numerous federal agencies. In his 30 years as an auditor and consultant, Mr. Watson has helped public sector organizations develop financial policy, implement improved processes and systems, restructure finance organizations and staffing, manage risk and controls, and improve cost and performance management.

State & Local 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.

Richard Cordray, J.D., Treasurer of State, State of Ohio
In recognition of Mr. Cordray’s dedication to Ohio’s financial future. During the 2008 fiscal year, after restructuring the state’s portfolio, he set a new record for State of Ohio investment income, making more than $499.6 million, while also conducting an operations evaluation that led to the savings or recovery of more than $1.25 million. Notably safeguarding an investment portfolio totaling more than $19.5 billion for the state, Cordray avoided the fallout faced by other managers of public funds. In a state hit hard by home foreclosures, he has provided more than 60,000 Ohioans with personal finance workshops, information, and life-stage relevant resources to weather tough economic times and build a plan for lifelong security.

 

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.

Edgar C. Ross, Central Kentucky Chapter, Controller, Commonwealth of Kentucky
In recognition of Mr. Ross’ dedication to government financial management, accountability and fiscal responsibility as the chief accounting officer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky for more than 30 years. As controller, he maximizes the use of best practices throughout all state agencies, eliminates sub-standard operations, creates single points of responsibility for similar and related functions, and eliminates under-utilized services. Mr. Ross’ early efforts to comply with GAAP have led to 21 consecutive Certificates for Excellence in Financial Reporting, and he has established a Budget Reserve Trust Fund that has grown over the past five years from $5 million to $215 million.

 

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.

Brian U. Stratton, Mayor, City of Schenectady, NY
In recognition of Mayor Stratton’s efforts to revitalize Schenectady, which was on the brink of financial collapse with a projected $10.2 million deficit and the lowest credit rating in the state when he took over as the city’s chief executive; for his dedication to city residents and improving their quality of life; for bringing accountability and transparency back into government financial management; and for restoring integrity and pride in the city.

 

 

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.

Terrill E. Menzel, CGFM, CPA, Partner, KPMG, LLP
In recognition of Mr. Menzel’s long career spent promoting federal, state and local government accountability through his work with KPMG as well as his outstanding service to AGA and other professional organizations. In the late 1900s, Mr. Menzel led the development of tools and services to assist governments in implementation of the new reporting model that was embodied in GASB Statement No. 34. Now, within the Department of Professional Practice, he leads the group that provides guidance on accounting and auditing issues to KPMG professionals serving federal, state and local governments and other nonprofit clients, including quality control over the implementation of GASB No. 34.