AGA TOPICS Newsletter

AGA Announces Slate of 2007–2008 National Award Recipients

AGA is pleased to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of the following individuals and chapters:

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.

Sam M. McCall, CGFM, CPA, CIA, CGAP, AGA’s Tallahassee Chapter; City Auditor, City of Tallahassee, FL; AGA Past National President

In recognition of Mr. McCall’s sustained dedication and leadership to AGA in helping carry out goals to advance government accountability, promote professional certification programs, encourage and assist in establishing education and research programs, and improve the transparency of government operations to its citizens. He has enhanced the prestige of AGA by serving on the Comptroller General of the United States Advisory Council on Government Auditing and its independence subcommittee, the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council and other professional organizations. Mr. McCall also played a significant role in producing Tallahassee’s first Citizen-Centric Report.

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

David M. Walker, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter G. Peterson Foundation, former Comptroller General of the United States, U.S. Government Accountability Office

In recognition of Mr. Walker’s nine years as the Seventh Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), where he led a major transformation to improve the visibility, viability and performance of GAO. In that role, he was among the first to call attention to human capital shortfalls in the federal work force. He also served as an outspoken and nonpartisan advocate for addressing the major fiscal challenges facing the United States.

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.

Robert N. Reid, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Accounting Policy, U.S. Department of the Treasury

 In recognition of Mr. Reid’s ongoing contributions to the federal financial management community by promoting and advocating innovative and transparent reporting—both in his role as Deputy Assistant Secretary at Treasury and as Treasury’s representative on the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB). Mr. Reid has instituted significant and transformational changes in the financial reporting process across the federal government. Under his steadfast leadership, the department has prepared and issued the consolidated financial statements of the entire federal government on a timely basis for the past decade, and, in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, issued the first Executive Branch-produced “Citizens’ Guide” to the financial report of the U.S. government.

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.

Juan A. DeJesus, Director of Electronic Commerce, U.S. Army Financial Command, U.S. Department of Defense

In recognition of Mr. DeJesus’ outstanding achievement in the development and fielding of the EagleCash stored value card program throughout contingency operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. This innovative electronic commerce program benefited service members, government civilians and contractors, finance units and government retail activities. Mr. DeJesus’ initiative has simultaneously resulted in reduced resource requirements, less cash on the battlefield, better service and improved accountability.

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

Thomas G. Amyot, CGFM, CPA, CIA, AGA’s New York Capital Chapter; Associate Professor of Business, College of Saint Rose

In recognition of Mr. Amyot’s outstanding efforts in advancing student awareness of government accounting, performance auditing, not-for-profit accounting and fraud examination and in presenting his students with the opportunity to choose government service as a career. His tremendous educational support and direction for those in government employment to improve their professional skills had a lasting effect on the New York State Comptroller’s Office. As a charter member of New York Capital Chapter, Mr. Amyot used his passion for education to help the chapter develop into one of AGA’s largest and strongest chapters.

Cornelius E. Tierney/Ernst & Young Research Award
This award recognizes an individual who throughout his or her career has made continuous contributions to governmental financial management by direct participation in research activities and/or through encouragement and support of others engaged in government financial management research.

Judith Kamnikar, Ph.D., CGFM, CPA, CGFO, AGA’s Montgomery Chapter; Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Professor of Accounting, Lowder-Weil Scholar, Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM)

In recognition of Ms. Kamnikar’s instrumental work in developing a financial performance measures database and website, which improved accountability for public entities across the state of Alabama. She also visited five European countries last fall on behalf of the Federal Transportation Board to learn best practices for public-private partnerships. She also was largely responsible for bringing three accounting courses to AUM to better train state and local government accountants. Students can sit for the CGFM Examinations at the AUM campus prior to graduation, an opportunity that is offered at only two other universities in the country. She also helped created a government track within the university's MBA program, and successfully pushed for recognition of the CGFM certification by the state Personnel Department.

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. 

Julia E. Ranagan, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; Assistant Director, Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board  (FASAB)

In recognition of Ms. Ranagan’s continuing contributions to the federal financial management community. She leads government-wide working groups made up of individuals from diverse agencies and fosters success by providing clear communication and setting challenging, but attainable, targets for participants. Through her research and analysis and leadership skills, FASAB receives high-quality input on complicated government-wide accounting issues. She consistently strives to involve the community early in the process to achieve the best possible results.

International Achievement Award
This award recognizes leadership or outstanding achievement in international government financial management.

Jesse W. Hughes, Ph.D., CGFM, CPA, CIA, AGA’s Virginia Peninsula Chapter; International Government Financial Management Consultant

In recognition of Mr. Hughes’ outstanding leadership in governmental financial management, for which he is recognized throughout the world. His colleagues and students recognize and benefit from his exceptional contributions in conducting research, establishing standards, implementing new systems and training others.

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.

David M. Walker, CPA, AGA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter; President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter G. Peterson Foundation, former Comptroller General of the United States, U.S. Government Accountability Office

In recognition of Mr. Walker’s article, “Wake Up, America!,” which ran in the Winter 2007 issue of The Journal.

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

David R. Bennett, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s East Tennessee Chapter, Blount County Assistant County Mayor/Director of Accounts and Budgets, Blount County, TN

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 New York Capital Chapter
Michael A. Abbott, CGFM, CPA, Programs and Education Chair; Chief Operating Officer, State University of New York

In recognition of the New York Capital 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 a comprehensive array of marketing strategies to deliver 11,600 CPE hours to more than 800 financial managers and auditors for the 2006–2007 program year. The chapter offered 18 training events covering fraud, management technology, performance audits, investigation, reporting and many other topics.

Group B: AGA’s Virginia Peninsula Chapter
Donna L. Miller, Director of Education; Accountant, U.S. Coast Guard Finance Center

Cecelia Smith, Chapter President; Financial Management Specialist, Langley Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

In recognition of the Virginia Peninsula Chapter’s exceptional efforts in providing 7,978 continuing professional education hours through quality national and regional speakers to members and nonmembers during the program year. The chapter also co-sponsors many events with other professional associations, extending its reach. The Virginia Peninsula Chapter does not charge chapter dues and provides its monthly luncheons for $10, making inexpensive CPE readily available.

Group C: AGA’s Guam Chapter
Zeny Nace, CGFM, CPA, CFE, Education Co-Chair; Comptroller, Office of the Public Auditor, Guam

John Phillips, CGFM, CPA, Education Co-Chair; Professor of Accounting, University of Guam

In recognition of the Guam Chapter’s efforts to provide high-quality, diverse educational programs by working with local governments for funding, bringing CGFM Courses to Guam, co-sponsoring events with the Guam Society of CPAs and reaching out to members as far as Japan. The Guam Chapter has played a pivotal role in increasing the competencies of government accountants and financial managers in Guam and Micronesia.

Group D: AGA’s Des Moines Chapter
Andrew E. Nielsen, CGFM, CPA, Director of Chapter Programs and Education; Deputy Auditor of State, State of Iowa

In recognition of the Des Moines Chapter’s work in providing high-quality education on current issues affecting state and local government financial management. The chapter has offered timely educational sessions at chapter meetings, AGA audio conferences, and daylong seminars on ethics, and fraud and identity theft. Because of the chapter’s efforts, attendance at educational events has increased appreciably.

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

Group A: Kirk Schanzenbach, CPA, CFE, PMP, AGA’s New York Capital Chapter; Director, Office of the State Comptroller, State of New York

In recognition of Mr. Schanzenbach’s tireless and dedicated efforts to the New York Capital Chapter. He has immersed himself in every aspect of chapter work, serving as various chapter officers, including president. He helped the chapter build a cash reserve, helped develop operating policies and budget procedures, coordinated strategic planning and has contributed greatly to the chapter’s overall success.

Group B: Warren H.K. Lum, CPA, AGA’s Hawaii Chapter; Senior Auditor, Office of Audit Services, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In recognition of Mr. Lum’s continuous, exemplary service as a chapter leader. A member since 1985, he has served as president and in many other chapter roles. He has built key relationships with chapter members, provided insight and direction by crafting leadership teams representing the experience of the past and the vision for the future—all in the interest of serving chapter members.

Group C: Nancy K. Zmyslinski, CGFM, AGA’s Greater Columbus Chapter; Director, Columbus Office, Defense Finance and Accounting Service

In recognition of Ms. Zmyslinski’s work in sponsoring the Greater Columbus Chapter, her work as founding president, and her continuous support for AGA among her work force of more than 2,700 federal employees. She has been a driving force in improving the Greater Columbus Chapter.

Group C: Taling M. Taitano, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Guam Chapter; Chief Financial Officer, Staywell Insurance Inc.

In recognition of Ms. Taitano’s 18 years of service to the Guam Chapter, holding various leadership positions and working with local government leaders to secure funding for AGA membership and training. She has helped the chapter grow, has nurtured future leaders and been active in improving chapter operations.

Group D: Janice A. Jensen, CGFM, CPA, AGA’s Des Moines Chapter, AGA Regional Vice President-Elect; Financial Section Supervisor, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation

In recognition of Ms. Jensen’s efforts in many leadership roles in helping the chapter achieve “Platinum Status.” She excels at communication, is the “glue” that holds the chapter together and is a valued role model. As a Regional Vice President, she is helping other chapters improve their newsletters, education programs and long-range planning efforts.

Group E: Colette C. Cormier, AGA’s Aroostook County Chapter; Accountant, Limestone Office, Defense Finance and Accounting Service

In recognition of Ms. Cormier’s efforts to establish the Aroostook County Chapter and to serve as president since its formation in August of 2007. As a result of her work, AGA’s newest chapter promotes the growth and development of government financial managers in northern Maine.

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

Group A: AGA’s Nashville Chapter

Ann Collett, CGFM, CPA, President, AGA’s Nashville Chapter; Financial Oversight Coordinator, Department of Finance & Administration, State of Tennessee
In recognition of the Nashville Chapter for outstanding and diverse community service projects that helped make a difference in the lives of families, individuals and animals in need. The chapter supported 10 different charities including VITA, Habitat for Humanity, Nashville Public Television, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and others. The cooperation of chapter members on these projects has enhanced AGA’s stature within the Nashville community.

Group A: AGA’s New York Capital Chapter

Ann M. Marsh, MPA, CPA, Vice President for Community Service, New York Capital Chapter; Associate Accountant, Department of Education, State of New York
In recognition of Ms. Marsh’s work in promoting community service events that represent a true cross section of the diverse needs facing both the country and the capital region in the state of New York. The chapter generated $11,000 in total donations, with 14 worthy cases benefiting from the chapter’s hard work. The number of members who actively participate in many of the projects, and the level of donations to good causes illustrate the chapter’s level of commitment to “giving back to the community.”

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 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, St. Vincent de Paul’s Homeless Shelter, Court-Appointed Special Advocates and more. The chapter also provides funding for endowed scholarship programs at six Louisiana universities. This program year, the chapter added $2,000 to each scholarship fund, increasing funding by $12,000.

Group C: AGA’s Guam Chapter

Jose B. Guevara III, Community Service Chair; General Accounting Supervisor, Port Authority of Guam
In recognition of AGA’s Guam Chapter for its active participation in several community service projects, including Guam Girl Scouts, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Guam, Guam Animals in Need, the Kamalen Karidat Soup Kitchen, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and island beautification projects, among other causes.

Group D: AGA’s San Antonio Chapter

Joan Navarro, CGFM, Community Events Director; Manager, Air Force Audit Agency, U.S. Department of Defensez
In recognition of AGA’s San Antonio Chapter, for its numerous and varied community service efforts. The chapter collected more than 1,100 pounds of baby food for the San Antonio Food Bank and more than 500 pounds of warm clothing for the San Antonio Battered Women and Children Shelter. The chapter also joined the Wreaths-Across-America fund-raiser for Civil Air Patrol units across the country to lay the wreaths on veterans’ graves throughout the country. The chapter laid a wreath on the grave of decorated WWII and Vietnam War hero Col. Paul Sneid at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery.

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 Nashville Chapter

Gerry Boaz, CGFM, CPA, CGFM Co-Chair; Technical Analyst, Division of State Audit, Comptroller of the Treasury, State of Tennessee

Ronald H. Queen, CGFM, CPA, CGFM Co-Chair; Manager, Division of Local Finance, Comptroller of the Treasury, State of Tennessee

In recognition of the Nashville Chapter, which supports the achievement of the CGFM designation within the membership and to nonmembers in government entities, colleges and universities in the Nashville/Davidson County area. More than half the chapter’s members are CGFMs, and six new members have passed the exam as a result of the CGFM committee’s efforts in providing directed study sessions and formal CGFM CPE training. The chapter also offers three exam subsidies. Through the chapter’s work, the CGFM has been recognized as a preference in job descriptions for the state of Tennessee, which offers an optional 4.5 percent raise to those earning the designation.

Group B: AGA’s Baton Rouge Chapter

Margaret Bethea, CGFM, CGFM Director; Accountant, Office of Community Development, State of Louisiana
In recognition of the Baton Rouge Chapter, which encourages members to seek the CGFM through incentives, easy access to the three CGFM Study Guides, high-quality CPE, and promoting the credential in newsletter articles and membership applications. Through the chapter’s dedicated work, the state, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Bossier City and Shreveport have proclaimed March to be CGFM Month. The chapter is also working with the state Civil Service Department to recognize the CGFM.

Group C: AGA’s Southern Wisconsin Chapter

Eric Busse, President and Chapter CGFM Chair; Grant Accountant, Department of Public Instruction, State of Wisconsin
In recognition of the Southern Wisconsin Chapter, for its commitment, dedication, resourcefulness and hard work to promote the CGFM Program through exam fee reimbursement, a strong educational program, personal contact with CGFM candidates, state declaration of CGFM Month and more.

Group D: AGA’s Chattanooga Chapter

Brian D. Lopez-Cepero, Chapter President; City of Chattanooga
In recognition of the Chattanooga Chapter’s concerted efforts to promote the CGFM certification by encouraging both the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County to declare March to be CGFM Month, promoting the CGFM at Career Day events, and providing strong educational programs.

Regional Coordinator Awards
This award recognizes AGA Regional Coordinators who have done an outstanding job in assisting chapters in the areas of certification, chapter assistance and development, education and membership/early careers.

Certification

Gerry Boaz, CGFM, CPA, Southeast Region; Technical Analyst, Division of State Audit, Comptroller of the Treasury, State of Tennessee
In recognition of Mr. Boaz’s efforts in championing the efforts of the dedicated CGFM directors in the Southeastern Region who are dedicated to advancing professional development among government financial managers. Mr. Boaz has promoted the CGFM Month proclamations, Intensive Review Courses and directed study sessions and shared many of Nashville Chapter’s successful practices.

Education

Karen B. Hale, CGFM, MAOM, Southeast Region; Contract Administrator, Comptroller of the Treasury, State of Tennessee
In recognition of Ms. Hale’s diligence and dedication in working with Southeast Region chapter leaders to create successful education programs. Ms. Hale has inspired chapter leaders, shared her insights and spoken to AGA chapters on various topics, such as strategic planning, performance measures, education plans and leadership development.

Membership/Early Careers

Karl Boettcher, MBA, CGFM, Capital Region; Senior Analyst, Financial Management System, U.S. Department of the Treasury
In recognition of Mr. Boettcher’s dynamic early career programs for chapters in the Capital Region. He worked individually with early career directors on two tracks—early-career working professionals and early-career students. Activities include networking events, free CGFM early career training, career fairs, school visits, free chapter membership for professors and students, free chapter lunches and coordination with local Beta Alpha Psi programs.

Chapter Development and Assistance

Catherine A. Long, CGFM, Mid-Western Region; Financial Accounting Manager, Missouri Lottery
In recognition of Ms. Long’s enthusiasm and willingness to serve others to help Mid-Western Region chapters achieve their maximum potential. She helped revitalize the St. Louis Chapter by working with volunteers and the National Office staff to move it out of an inactive status. The chapter has launched a website, issued newsletters, held meetings and offered audio conferences.

Robert M. Crowl, CGFM, Southeastern Region; (retired)
In recognition of Mr. Crowl’s active promotion and assistance in chartering the new Columbia and Charleston, S.C. Chapters, which involved numerous discussions with potential chapter leaders, a deep knowledge of chapter governance and dedication to AGA’s mission. Mr. Crowl has also worked on gathering support for new chapters in Bristol, TN, and South Florida over the last two years.