AGA TOPICS Newsletter

2006-2007 AGA 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.

Jullin Renthrope, CGFM, CPA, CFE, CGFO, AGA’s New Orleans Chapter, Audit Manager, Office of the Legislative Auditor, State of Louisiana; AGA Past National President

In recognition of Mr. Renthrope’s firm allegiance and enthusiastic service to AGA, and to the government accountability community at all levels. As a Past National President, South Central Regional Vice President and chapter leader, Renthrope has been one of AGA’s most ardent supporters. He consistently brings great dignity, prestige, exemplary collaborative relationships and high honor to AGA and to his profession. He is the consummate professional and epitomizes the purpose for which the Robert W. King Memorial Award was established.

Einhorn-Gary Award

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

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

In recognition of Mr. Anderson’s three decades of extraordinary commitment and dedication to advancing government accountability, and sustained outstanding leadership, tireless dedication and outstanding service to AGA at the national, regional and chapter levels. Like Raymond Einhorn, CGFM, and T. Jack Gary Jr., CGFM, the founding members for whom this award is named, Anderson has served the Association in various leadership positions, including Past National President. Einhorn and Gary both counted Anderson as a close friend, and like them, Anderson has a long and distinguished career dedicated to governmental financial management excellence and the goals of the Association.

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.

Thomas J. Sadowski, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Mid-Missouri Chapter, Director of Accounting, State of Missouri; AGA National Treasurer; Member, AGA National Executive Committee; AGA Past National President; AGA Past National Treasurer

In recognition of Mr. Sadowski’s three decades of service as a dedicated accountability professional. He has brought about significant improvements at the state, local and university level in Missouri, enabling those entities to provide great value and service to citizens and taxpayers while demonstrating accountability for the resources entrusted to them. His true value, though, extends beyond ensuring sound systems of accountability to a legacy of helping develop fellow professionals who can continue to advance government accountability now and into the future.

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.

David A. Von Moll, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Richmond Chapter, State Comptroller, Department of Accounts, Commonwealth of Virginia

In recognition of Mr. Von Moll’s development of a comprehensive approach to internal control in a decentralized operating environment. Mr. Von Moll gathered a team of talented employees to develop this concept then persuaded top state executives and legislators to fund this initiative to further Virginia’s reputation as the best-managed state in the union.

Educator Award

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

William A. Morehead, CGFM, CPA, CPM, AGA’s Jackson Chapter, Chair, Division of Accountancy, Computer Information Systems and Finance, and Assistant Professor of Accountancy, Delta State University; AGA Past National Treasurer

In recognition of Mr. Morehead’s exceptional contributions to advancing government financial management education and his tremendous support of AGA. He has conducted training sessions on various topics for the Alabama Society of CPAs, the Mississippi Society of CPAs, numerous AGA chapters and regions, and at AGA’s First National Internal Control and Fraud Conference in 2006. He has also taught Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting, Graduate Auditing and Graduate Accounting Theory at Delta State University since 2000.

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.

Robert Scott Bell, CGFM, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter, Senior Accountant, U.S. Department of Treasury

In recognition of Mr. Bell’s continuing efforts to improve financial management and reporting processes. He has made innovation an integral part of his involvement in initiatives at the Small Business Administration, Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Treasury. He has often leveraged his broad depth of experiences in the budget, accounting, performance, policy and financial management communities to identify and illuminate best practices so that others may benefit. He has frequently assumed leadership roles in interagency committees and task forces dedicated to improving financial management practices across the federal government.

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.

Donald Tidrick, Ph.D., CPA, CMA, CIA
"An Interview With Elmer Staats, Former Comptroller General of the United States,” Summer 2006.

National Treasurer’s Award

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

Thomas J. Sadowski, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Mid-Missouri Chapter, Director of Accounting, State of Missouri; AGA Past National President; AGA Past National Treasurer

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: AGA’s Richmond Chapter
Lisa A. Watts, CGFM, Programs and Education Chair; Accounting Manager, Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Virginia
In recognition of the Richmond Chapter’s dedication to providing a variety of high-quality, cost-efficient training for its members and the larger government financial management community. The chapter used innovative marketing strategies to deliver 7,531 CPE hours to some 1,546 financial managers and auditors for the 2006-2007 program year. Success has been measured by increased attendance, new members, and the positive comments on training events. 

Group B: AGA’s Boston Chapter
Julia P. Burns, CGFM, Chapter Vice President for Education; Director, General Accounting Bureau, Quality Assurance Bureau, Office of the Comptroller, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In recognition of the Boston Chapter’s commitment to providing comprehensive, diverse, affordable, high-quality education sessions and networking opportunities to government financial professionals throughout the New England area.

AGA’s Virginia Peninsula Chapter
Donna Miller, Director of Education; Accountant, U.S. Coast Guard Finance Center
In recognition of the Virginia Peninsula Chapter’s exceptional efforts to provide 8,291 hours of continuing professional education hours required by CGFMs and CPAs and enjoyed by its members and other government financial managers. The chapter presents a quality education program, focusing on top-notch speakers, at an affordable price. The Virginia Peninsula Chapter does not charge chapter dues and provides its monthly luncheons free to all members.

Group C: AGA’s Southern Wisconsin Chapter
Carrie L. Ferguson, Chapter Education Chair; Senior Legislative Auditor, Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau
In recognition of the Southern Wisconsin Chapter’s efforts to provide a variety of training events this chapter year to meet the needs of all aspects of its membership. The chapter strives to attract quality speakers so members and interested nonmembers will recognize the value of AGA. The chapter also keeps the events affordable and accessible.

Chapter Service Awards

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

Group A: Evelyn A. Brown, CGFM, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter, Retired; former Deputy Chief Financial Officer, U.S. Office of Personnel Management; AGA Past National Treasurer
In recognition of Ms. Brown’s tireless and dedicated efforts over the last 33 years to develop, enhance and improve service to chapter members and the overall financial management of the Association. Her work in many chapter positions, especially chapter president, significantly enhanced the prestige and stature of the chapter within the financial management community.

Group B: Stephen L. Liebman, CPA, CFE, AGA’s New York Chapter, Senior Auditor, Office of Audit, Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration
In recognition of Mr. Liebman’s continued dedication to AGA and the New York Chapter over 25 years. He has contributed to the success of the chapter in many ways, including serving as chair of the chapter’s Membership, Education and Charity committees. He sponsored more than 75 members, and has secured high-quality speakers as education chair. He has partnered with other chapters and organized a fraud seminar in 2006 that rated highly among attendees. Additionally, he has acted as trusted adviser to all chapter presidents for more than 20 years.

Mary E. Lechner CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Virginia Peninsula Chapter; Branch Chief, Internal Control, U.S. Coast Guard Finance Center
In recognition of Ms. Lechner’s sustained dynamic and enthusiastic leadership in executing a strategic plan in the chapter, which has significantly increased chapter vibrancy through significantly increased membership, meeting attendance and quality of conference educational programs. Under her leadership as 2005 – 2006 chapter president, the chapter achieved its first recognition as Platinum status, exceeding the required chapter recognition points in almost all areas.

Group C: Herminia D. Dierking, CGFM, AGA’s Guam Chapter, Accounting Professor, University of Guam
In recognition of Ms. Dierking’s 32 years of service to the Guam Chapter. She has served as a President, Membership Committee Chair, Co-Chair of the Education Committee, Early Careers Chair, Program Committee Chair, Community Service Committee Chair and Pacific Rim Region Vice President-Elect and Vice President. She has helped the chapter grow by encouraging her staff, co-workers and peers to join. She has been able to influence the local government to fund AGA membership, training and conferences.

Group D: Helene A. Baker, CGFM, CFE, President, AGA’s San Antonio Chapter; Audit Manager, Air Force Audit Agency, U.S. Department of Defense
In recognition of Ms. Baker’s efforts as chapter president in helping the chapter achieve “Gold Status” through innovative development and enhancement of the chapter programs. New programs implemented this chapter year include the first website for the chapter, a monthly newsletter, biannual survey and community service events

Group E: Patricia Robert, CPA, AGA’s Quad Cities Chapter; Accountant, Defense Finance and Accounting Service Rock Island
In recognition of Ms. Robert’s exceptional commitment to AGA and the Quad Cities Chapter, serving as chapter president, community service chair and member of the chapter’s Professional Development Conference committee. She has always been willing to serve wherever needed, and her actions reflect well on AGA and the chapter.

Community Service Awards

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

Group A:
AGA’s Richmond Chapter
Frederick J. Hoover Jr., Community Service Chair; Senior External Auditor, Department of Transportation, Commonwealth of Virginia
In recognition of the Richmond Chapter, which is committed to an active community service program, not only in the Richmond area, but nationally. The chapter raised nearly $7,500 this program year, contributing to 10 different charities, including Hospital Hospitality House, to individuals with physical disabilities, and especially to the children of our community through our support of UVA Children’s Hospital, Autism Society of America-Central Virginia Chapter and The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Group B:
AGA’s Baton Rouge Chapter
Pam Berthelot, Community Service Chair; Staff Accountant, Department of Environmental Quality, State of Louisiana
In recognition of the Baton Rouge Chapter, for outstanding support of and involvement in community service activities, which helped those in need, supported education at every level and enhanced the recognition of AGA throughout the community. The chapter has supported eight different charities, including Louisiana Public Broadcasting, the Salvation Army, the Baton Rouge Food Bank, Court-Appointed Special Advocates and more.

AGA’s Virginia Peninsula Chapter
Joseph A. Rutecki, CGFM, Community Service Program Director; Senior Defense Analyst, Defense Capabilities and Management Team, U.S. Government Accountability Office
In recognition of AGA’s Virginia Peninsula Chapter, which provides a dynamic and diverse Community Service Program, with participation by more than half the membership and contributions of more than $10,000 in cash and services to the Hampton Roads community. During the 2006-2007 program year, community service activities were held every month, and the chapter supported a child’s wish in the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Virginia Beach March of Dimes WalkAmerica, Equikids riding program for disabled children and Special Olympics, bringing positive publicity to the AGA and the chapter.

Group C:
AGA’s Guam Chapter
Theresa V. Gumataotao, Immediate Past Community Service Chair; Management Analyst, Office of the Public Auditor, Government of Guam, and Jose Guevara, Community Service Chair; Controller, Port Authority of Guam
In recognition of AGA’s Guam Chapter, for its active participation in several community service projects, including island beautification, Salvation Army red kettle campaign and Christmas food baskets, painting of village bus stops, Special Olympics, Girl Scouts and mentoring programs to foster interest in accounting and auditing among high school and college students.

AGA’s Portland Chapter
Jinah Nakaji, Community Service Director; Financial Analyst, 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, and supporting tax preparation for more than 100 low-income individuals through the VITA program. In another project, the chapter filled 38 shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and other items for needy children in Iraq, Cambodia, Chile, Panama and Russia. The chapter’s exemplary commitment and dedication have significantly enhanced AGA’s prestige and stature in the community.

Group D:
AGA’s San Antonio Chapter
Helene A. Baker, CGFM, CFE, President; Audit Manager, Air Force Audit Agency, U.S. Department of Defense
In recognition of AGA’s San Antonio Chapter, for leading the collection of more than 6,000 pounds of baby foods for the San Antonio Food Bank following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina and more than 300 pounds of warm clothing for area Goodwill centers. The chapter initiated a year-round sponsor program for walk-up blood donations for critical shortages in the San Antonio area. The chapter also sponsored several collections for the San Antonio Battered Women and Children’s Shelter.

Group E:
Japan Chapter
John A. Anderson, President-Elect; Supervisory Accountant, Defense Finance and Accounting Service
In recognition of AGA’s Japan Chapter for its contributions to the accounting and finance community with a one-day, no-cost training event, participation in community events that resulted in donations to the Red Cross, Special Olympics, the Reng Orphanage, an anti-drunk driving group and a scholarship program for high school seniors.

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:
AGA’s Mid-Missouri Chapter
Carol R. Fischer, CPA, President; Deputy Secretary of Business Services, Secretary of State’s Office, State of Missouri
In recognition of the Mid-Missouri Chapter, which strives to promote government accountability by encouraging and supporting the achievement of the CGFM designation at all levels of membership. Though promotions, such as reimbursement for exam fees and Intensive Review Course costs, a lending library of CGFM study materials and other programs, the chapter is connecting those interested in government accountability with the resources to make the CGFM the preferred professional designation in the government financial management community. 

AGA’s New York Capital Chapter
Amanda Lynne Zibella, Vice President of Certification; Principal Accountant, Office of the State Comptroller, State of New York
In recognition of the New York Capital Chapter’s outstanding efforts to promote and further recognize the integrity of the CGFM program to its members and other accountability professionals. Programs included sponsoring all three CGFM preparatory courses for members, lobbying successfully for New York to proclaim March CGFM Month, holding Professional Certifications Information Seminar with other local Associations, meeting with state officials to promote professional certification throughout the New York State work force, and recognizing new CGFMs as special guests an the chapter’s annual celebration luncheon in June

AGA’s Washington D.C. Chapter
Doug M. Bennett, CGFM, Assistant Director for CGFM Certification; Deputy Comptroller, National Gallery of Art
In recognition of AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter, for its efforts to help new members achieve the CGFM certification. By leveraging the resources of the private sector, the chapter fosters greater communication between the private and public sectors and increases its ability to offer training to new government workers. This has resulted in new AGA members and new CGFMs.

Group B:
AGA’s Baton Rouge Chapter
Kay F. DeBenedetto, President; Director of Financial Services, Department of Public Safety, State of Louisiana
In recognition of the Baton Rouge Chapter, which encourages members to seek the CGFM by offering a $100 incentive for passing all three exams, easy access to the three CGFM Study Guides, high-quality CPE, and promoting the credential in newsletter articles and membership applications. Through the dedicated work of Director of Certification, Margaret Bethea, CGFM, the city of Baton Rouge and the state of Louisiana have proclaimed May to be CGFM Month. The chapter is also working with the state Civil Service Department to recognize the CGFM.

AGA’s Virginia Peninsula Chapter
Cecelia Smith, President; Financial Management Specialist, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Langley Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
In recognition of the Virginia Peninsula Chapter, for its innovative and creative efforts to increase the recognition and value of the CGFM designation in the Hampton Roads community and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Programs include study groups, personal contact with members and public sector employers, exam scholarships and publicity. The chapter’s efforts have resulted in a proclamation by the governor declaring March 2006 and 2007 as CGFM Month, and an increase in and retention of chapter CGFM members.

Group C:
AGA’s Portland Chapter
Kevin A. Owen, President; Accountant, Bonneville Power Administration
In recognition of the Portland Chapter, for its commitment, dedication, resourcefulness and hard work to promote the CGFM Program through rebates, a strong educational program, personal contact with CGFM candidates and more.