AGA TOPICS Newsletter

The 'Best of the Best'

For the past two weeks, many of us have been glued to the television watching the 2010 Winter Olympics. I am always in awe of the athleticism displayed by these young men and women—the "best of the best" from around the world. Further, I am just as amazed at how close the scores are between the gold medal winner and those in 15th place. Sometimes only hundredths of seconds separate them. Often times, we quickly forget the names of those who did not place in the medal round; but, those who are in fourth place and beyond to the last person scoring are all tremendous athletes, each of them can probably run circles around us. My goodness, they made it to the Olympics! What an accomplishment!

Well, AGA is somewhat like these top athletes. AGA is made up of many members who represent the "best of the best" in their profession. As an organization, AGA represents the "best of the best" as we continue to move forward in Advancing Government Accountability. On February 18 and 19, AGA held another successful National Leadership Conference with more than 700 registered attendees. The conference was, by all accounts, an extreme success—a gold medal winner, if you will accept this analogy. It is such a privilege to serve as your National President and be a part of AGA’s success as we reap the benefits of many who have served before us.

AGA has numerous program lines in our organization and each operates with success as a goal. Our Certified Government Financial Manager Program is no different. The CGFM Program was launched in the mid-1990s and birthed under the leadership of Past National President's Jeff Steinhoff, CGFM, and Clyde McShan, CGFM. Fifteen years later, the program thrives and continues to grow in numbers and respect throughout the government financial management profession.

In honor of CGFM Recognition Month we shine the light on the great AGA staff serving as stewards over the CGFM Program. Katya Silver, director of professional certification, oversees the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Program. Katya joined AGA’s certification team in June 2001 and has been busy implementing policies and procedures to address the program’s tremendous growth, managing two major examination updates and growing the new onsite Government Financial Manager (GFM) training program. Prior to joining AGA, Katya worked as an operations manager for Development Bank Associates, a consulting company specializing in multilateral development banks. She lives in Springfield, VA, with her husband and 5-year-old son. Katya grew up in Moscow, Russia, and came to the United States to study as an exchange student.

Brian Watkins, certification manager, began work at AGA in July 2007. He is responsible for managing the application process for the CGFM Program. Specifically, Brian reviews candidate applications and other submissions to ensure that eligibility requirements of the program have been met. He serves as the point of contact for candidates during the eligibility period and verifies that all certification requirements have been completed before a candidate can become a CGFM. A native of the D.C. metro area, Brian and his wife Stacy are proud parents of Lani, 6, and Jessie, 3.

Crystal Vanison, certification program coordinator, joined AGA’s National Office staff in October 2005. She is responsible for CGFM reactivations, renewals, retired status updates, Intensive Review Course registrations, CPE audit and mailing of CGFM materials. Crystal was born and raised in Alexandria, VA. She is a graduate of T.C. Williams High School and Virginia Commonwealth University. In her free time, Crystal enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends and volunteering in her community.

Pamella Shaw, certification program specialist, joined the AGA staff last week. Pamella reviews and processes CGFM applications, issues CGFM letters, manages study guide orders and provides administrative support to the CGFM team. She brings more than 20 years of leadership, communication, project management and research experience to AGA, having worked as a classroom teacher, accountant, manager and office administrator. Pamella has a master's degree in leadership in teaching and a bachelor's degree in business administration-marketing. She resides in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, VA, with her husband and youngest son.

Peter V. Aliferis, CGFM, the CGFM representative, joined the CGFM team in January 2005. An AGA member for more than 20 years and one of the earliest supporters of the CGFM credential, Pete has worked diligently over the past five years spreading the word to professionals and their employers about the benefits of certification, and promoting the Government Financial Management (GFM) Training Program. He joined the AGA National Office after a long career at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), holding several management positions, including directing the Special Projects Office and director of Operations at the Accounting and Information Management Division. He and his wife Gwen are the parents of an adult son.

Join me in welcoming Pamella to AGA! Join me in thanking Katya, Brian, Crystal, Pamella and Pete for the outstanding work they do for the CGFM Program and AGA. These five staffers do their part in helping AGA “Think Big! Act Courageously! and Make a Difference!”

Have a GREAT month!

Billy