AGA TOPICS Newsletter

Past National President Jeffrey S. Hart to Receive Robert W. King Memorial Award

Humbled, inspired and prouder than ever to be a member of AGA. That’s how Past National President Jeffrey S. Hart, CGFM, CFE, describes his reaction to earning AGA’s highest honor, the Robert W. King Memorial Award.

Named after AGA’s founding president, a gold medal is awarded annually to an Association member who has greatly enhanced AGA’s national prestige and stature through distinguished service. AGA’s 56^th National President said the award touches him more than any other. “After all, your professional colleagues are keenly aware of what you really know and what you have really contributed, more so than any outside group.”

“Jeff Hart is an outstanding choice for the Robert W. King Memorial Award,” said Past National President Mitch Laine, CGFM. “He has been an incredible contributor to AGA with his vision, hard work and dedication for many years.”

Jeff has been involved in AGA since 1977, serving as president of his Denver Chapter and in many regional and national roles. He was a member of the National Executive Committee from 2000 to 2007, and is now a member of National President Sam Mok’s Governance Committee. Jeff is the acting comptroller and director of Fiscal Management and Planning for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Mountain and Plains Region.

Jeff chose the theme “Creating Exceptional Value for Government Accountability Professionals” to guide his 2006–2007 term, as he is passionate about creating new value for AGA members, their employers and for all the people who rely on and pay for government.

In fact, he believes the American public is generally supportive of government programs. One incident in an airport brought that home to him. A Transportation Security Administration employee picked up his laptop after it went through the x-ray machine and read Jeff’s business card aloud: "Advancing Government Accountability...that sounds like something I'd be interested in. What's that all about?" Jeff recalls, “What that told me is that people outside our profession really do care about what we do in government and in AGA, and they clearly want government to be accountable.” He adds, “I think they mainly just want government programs that work, that keep good track of their money and are transparent about their activities. And I think it's us, the people in AGA and the accountability profession, that are the best hope for making sure government programs deliver results, and improving the public's trust in their government.

National President-Elect Billy Morehead, Ph.D., CGFM, CPA, said Jeff has a passion for doing the right thing. “He cannot simply settle for average or middle of the road—he must the best in everything he attributes his efforts toward. He achieves success with the help of others, not in spite or on the backs of others. Jeff is a tremendous leader. I am proud to call him my friend.”

Jeff has traveled extensively for AGA, speaking to chapters throughout the country, and also working on projects close to home, such as the “Fiscal Wake-up Tour” in Denver that featured public forums with former Comptroller General of the United States David Walker, who discussed sustainability of U.S. fiscal policy long before the current recession. Jeff arranged for the comptroller general to meet with the current and a former governor, and at least 30 of Colorado’s top CEOs.

Though he didn’t plan it, Hart has become known as the “community service” president for organizing teams of AGA volunteers to help rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005. In fact, one of his most poignant memories as president was touring the area 18 months later with Past National President Jullin Renthrope, CGFM, CPA, CFE, CGFO. Jullin had only moved back into his own home the weekend prior, and tens of thousands of the city’s residents were still living in temporary quarters. Jeff says he was shocked at the devastation that remained. The hurricane scattered members throughout many states for months, and yet, the New Orleans and Baton Rouge Chapters came out in force to hear Jeff speak—a humbling moment.

“Not only has the professional network AGA provides every member been the source of some of my most valued friendships, the people I have come into contact with through AGA have provided me an unending source of inspiration,” Jeff said.

Jeff set about organizing a community service event in New Orleans to remind members of AGA’s values—service, accountability, integrity and leadership. AGA teamed with Habitat for Humanity and volunteers have returned to New Orleans three times to rebuild homes in the New Orleans’ Ninth Ward—and volunteers are heading out again the day after this PDC ends. Jullin says, “One example of Jeff's dedication and commitment, related to AGA's community service program, is evidenced by his untiring devotion to the Habitat for Humanity project for the last three and a half years in the rebuilding of New Orleans, which has inspired so many members from countless AGA chapters, including the New Orleans Chapter.”

Jeff said AGA’s core values were in evidence at the community service events in New Orleans. “Community service, certainly, is one long-standing aspect of AGA service. Another aspect of service is, of course, the service we provide our members. I hope my focus on accountability helped drive us all to focus on new ways AGA might advance accountability. I hope my focus on integrity encouraged us to walk our talk and be a better role model for all the things we stand for. And I hope I was successful in getting more of us to step up and chose to be a leader, as an Association and as individuals.”

Jeff is devoted to AGA’s goals and objectives, said Past National President William J. Anderson Jr., CGFM, calling the award a tribute to his professionalism.

Past National President Richard Norment, CGFM, said the New Orleans project is an example of Jeff’s character. “Jeff was an extremely hard worker for AGA and never backed away from a challenge. He has been a person of great energy and determination no matter what the goal or task.”

Past National President Virginia B. Robinson, CGFM, who volunteered with Jeff in New Orleans this spring, said, “After observing your tremendous dedication to AGA and our profession, especially during the last couple of years, it is truly heartwarming to see you join other outstanding AGA-ers in attaining this achievement. I know we can look forward to many more years (at least five more decades I hope) of your continuing extraordinary contributions to our profession and the public we serve.”

Past National President Charles L. Harrison, CGFM, said Jeff represents what AGA is about—accountability, transparency and performance. “Congratulations Jeff on receiving this well-deserved award—the Robert W. King Memorial Award, presented in honor of AGA's founding father."

Upon hearing the news of receiving the King award, Jeff said he could not help but think of AGA’s founder and the “selfless challenge” he took on in creating this organization from scratch. “I wonder if he ever thought about what this Association might become over a half-century later, and what he would think about his creation if he were able to be with us today. I hope he would be proud of himself, and be pleased with what we have done with his brainchild. I feel confident somehow that he would." 

—Christina M. Camara