AGA’S MISSION:

AGA fosters learning, certification, leadership and collaboration for

professionals and stakeholders committed to advancing government

accountability.

______________________________________________________

2014-2015 NATIONAL PRESIDENT, WILLIAM D. MILLER

THEME: “OPPORTUNITY”

April 2015

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CONNECT TO AGA

AGA Montgomery on: AGA National on:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn GovLoop AGA National Website: http://www.agacgfm.org/home.aspx

AGA Montgomery Website: http://montgomeryaga.org/index.php

Special Points of Interest

PRESIDENT’ S MESSAGE

SPRING PROFESSIONAL

TRAINING

JOB LISTING LINK

CHAPTER / NATIONAL NEWS

CGFM

COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENTS

MEMBERSHIP

MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS

SCHOLARSHIPS

AWARDS

MINUTES

FINANCIAL REPORT

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR

CEC COMMITTEE DIRECTORY

LINK

VOLUME XIX

ISSUE 8

2015

Spring Professional Development Training

~Knowledge is Power ~

Association of Government Accountants Montgomery Chapter

Friday, April 17, 2015

DoubletTree by Hilton Downtown Montgomery

120 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama

House Bill 66

House Bill 66 currently going through the Alabama

Legislature affects the accounting profession:

House Bill 66 removes the provision allow-

ing certification if the individual declares

his or her intent to become a citizen.

Under existing law, in order to be eligible to

sit for the CPA examination, a person must

have completed a total of 150 semester

hours or 225 quarter hours of education.

This bill would reduce the semester hours to

120 and quarter hours to 180, respectively,

effective January 1, 2016.

P a g e 2 T h e C a p i t a l C i t y F o c u s

Greetings All, During the month of April, all AGA Chapters are in the process of filling vacant officer positions and hoping we find volunteers to assist with the upcoming year. Knowing the challenges ahead for the Montgomery Chapter every time we change roles, add new committee members or incorporate new ideas, I thought the message by our National President should be reviewed once again. Written better than I can express…

In AGA Weekly Topics, the National President…William (Bill) Miller states,

Those who have made the time to volunteer and lead, explain it was a matter of adjusting priorities and making time. The benefits of leadership are many — it helps our members build self-confidence, achieve a sense of professional growth and satisfaction, as well as personal development. I look at leadership as an opportunity to learn and create accomplishment. To me, there is no better feeling than working with col-leagues, giving them opportunities and watching them take on new challenges and further develop lead-ership skills. Leadership is a progression from small tasks to major undertakings. Sure, leaders risk failure along the way, but that is part of growth. If you choose to lead, you have to develop your style of leadership. Strong leaders make tough decisions when they have to, seek guidance as appropriate, and mentor emerging leaders whenever possible. Col-laboration with affected parties helps the leader understand the potential outcome of the pending deci-sion. How a leader relates to staff defines the response to expect from staff. Don’t be the type of leader like the one depicted in this old statement, which I’ve heard throughout my career, “There they go, I must hasten after them for I am their leader!” Telling, isn't it? I believe in participative management; that means working with others along the way. Our potential is limitless and restricted only by our actions.

After reading this message, I hope you are encouraged to take on a leadership role with Montgomery AGA. If you are already on the board, I hope you will continue to express your talents, work in partnerships, and inspire others through your challenges, failures, and achievements. Leadership is rewarding for those we serve, but more importantly for our-selves!

LaTaya H.Lucas Chapter President

P a g e 3 T h e C a p i t a l C i t y F o c u s

Ann M. Ebberts, CEO shares her thoughts and

experiences with members after six months as AGA’s CEO

P a g e 4

Montgomery AGA’s Annual SPRING Professional Development Training

April 17, 2015

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

DOUBLETREE HOTEL

120 Madison Avenue, Montgomery

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

*AGA Members: $75

*Non-Members: $175 (fee includes one-year AGA membership)

*Student: $50 (full time student as defined by National AGA)

*Affiliate Organization: $125 (non-members who belong to organizations which are affiliates of AGA)

All registration fees include: hot breakfast, lunch, breaks, parking and conference material (Wi-Fi)

8 CPEs available

REGISTER NOW!

MONTGOMERY AGA is excited to host our third full-day Spring Training Seminar. This year's venue is the DoubleTree Hotel in

downtown Montgomery.

We WELCOME all financial preparers and users to attend. Our speakers will have you in mind, as they share their insight

and knowledge of current and relevant issues facing Alabama. Topics will include:

Higher Education in the Cloud

Green Book Update

Forensic Accounting

Ethics

Internal Control

Alabama Accounting System - Budget and Report

. . . and more.

Please explore the website and familiarize yourself with our speakers’ backgrounds and areas of expertise. The Community Ser-

vice and Membership Committees will be available to answer various questions about our Chapter. We are confident this year’s

program will exceed your expectations.

Seating is limited, so please register early!

See you at the Doubletree Hotel on April 17th.

T h e C a p i t a l C i t y F o c u s

P a g e 5

Montgomery AGA’s Annual SPRING Professional Development Training

April 17, 2015

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

DoubleTree Hotel

120 Madison Avenue, Montgomery

All registration fees include: hot breakfast, lunch, breaks, parking and conference material (Wi-Fi)

MENU

~ HOT BREAKFAST ~

Scrambled Eggs

Grits

Hash Browns

Biscuits

Seasonal Fruit

Coffee and Orange Juice

~ LUNCH ~

Island Baked Chicken Breast

Rice

Roasted Vegetable Medley

Sweet Yams

Salad

Dessert

Rolls

Tea and Water

Venue Website

T h e C a p i t a l C i t y F o c u s

Career opportunities/job announcements will be posted in the Classified/Career Opportunities section found under the quick links of the AGA Montgomery website.

Visit this section often for your next opportunity for career advancement.

JOB LISTING

Click Here

Career Opportunities/Resources Committee Announcement for AGA

P a g e 6

“Emerging Issues for Government Accountability Professionals”

The Host Committee for the Inaugural Gulf Region PDT has made every effort to provide a variety of CPE topics that

are consistent with AGA’s high quality programming that you have come to expect. General and concurrent sessions

will feature industry leaders addressing a range of topics and sharing insight on emerging issues for government ac-

countability professionals.

Dates: Tuesday, May 5 – Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; On-site Check-In & Continental Breakfast Begins at 7:15 a.m.

Location: The Senator Ted Hickey Ballroom (University Center) at The University of New Orleans

Cost: $199 Members, $250 Non-Members*

Register Now

* Early registration

T h e C a p i t a l C i t y F o c u s

News Gulf Region Professional Development Training (PDT)

July 12-15 | Nashville, TN | 24 CPE Hours Available

Offering up to 24 CPE hours, PDT brings together the top officials in federal, state and local government,

as well as from academia and the private sector, for three-and-a-half days of valuable training and

networking.

3 R E A S O N S W H Y Y O U S H O U L D A T T E N D :

1. Earn up to 24 CPE Hours - Enhance your lifelong learning and gain the knowledge and understand-

ing to better improve your job effectiveness. The presentations are facilitated by both industry experts

and colleagues who have faced similar challenges. In doing so you can earn up to 24.5 CPE hours.

2. Stay On The Cutting Edge - PDT 2015 program includes top-notch speakers from federal, state, lo-

cal, academia and private sector bringing you key findings and educational experiences to augment your

job knowledge and skills. The exhibit hall allows you to familiarize yourself with the latest equipment,

technologies, products and services in the profession.

3. Network and Connect -The most unquantifiable, yet beneficial, aspect of any training event is net-

working. AGA’s PDT is the place to connect with a variety of government financial experts and industry

colleagues from around the nation facing the same or similar issues that you could exchange and share

“Aha!” ideas and moments with to bring back to your organization.

PDT Registration

National Professional Development Training 2015

P a g e 7 T h e C a p i t a l C i t y F o c u s

National AGA Board and Committee Sign Up

If you are an AGA member in good standing, able to serve a full term of office, and able to

participate in meetings by telephone, you are qualified to serve on a board or committee.

AGA active members may serve on the following committees:

Audit Committee

Awards Committee

Bylaws & Procedures Committee

Emerging Issues Committee

Finance & Budget Committee

Financial Management Standards Committee

Governance Committee

International Development Committee

Journal Editorial Board

Long Range Strategic Planning Committee

National Leadership Training Committee

Professional Certification Board

Professional Development Training Committee

Professional Ethics Board

Young Professional Focus Board

Sign up by April 20th Learn more

AGA On-site Courses

AGA offers a variety of classroom-style courses to meet your staff's

training and education needs. These courses can be designed around your

particular requirements and are presented at your facility by experienced

and knowledgeable financial management professionals. Participants are

awarded 8 to 16 CPE hours at the conclusion of each course.

To schedule a group training call 1-800-AGA-7211 or

Email: onsitecourses@agacgfm.org

P a g e 8 T h e C a p i t a l C i t y F o c u s

— March was CGFM Month

Governor Robert Bentley, Mayor Todd Strange of Montgomery, Montgomery County Commission, Mayor

George Patrick Evans and the Selma City Council, Mayor William S. Stimpson of Mobile, Mayor Mike

Schmitz of Dothan, Mayor Dexter McLendon of Greenville, Mayor Robert Craft of Gulf Shores, Mayor Bill

Gillespie, Jr. of Prattville, Mayor Jason A. Reeves of Troy, Mayor Tony Kennon of Orange Beach, Mayor

Tommy Battle of Huntsville, Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. of Auburn, Mayor Walter Maddox of Tuscaloosa, and

Mayor Jerry Willis of Wetumpka have proclaimed March 2015 as Certified Government Financial Managers

(CGFM) Month in the State of Alabama.

“CGFM is a professional certification recognizing the unique skills and special knowledge required of to-

day’s government financial managers. It covers governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, inter-

nal controls and budgeting at the federal, state and local levels.”

The Montgomery Chapter of AGA would like to recognize the following active Certified Financial Govern-

ment Managers as of February 28, 2015: Carissa A. Adams, Richard P. Armstrong, Ronald D. Atkins, Za-

heer U. Babar, Samuel Wayne Barber, II, Dan D. Barger, Gwen H. Barnett, Melissa H. Barnett, Kathleen

D. Baxter, Dr. William M. Beale, Jr., Dixie Black, Michael A. Bollinger, Robert M. Brantley, Jr., Kelly A.

Brendle, James L. Brickhouse, Curtis Waynne Brooks, Darlene B. Bruce, Deborah Bruggink, Ingrid L. Bur-

ton, Darrell Butters, Robert Patrick Byrd, Rachel Chou, Sandra H. Collins, Calvin Cooper, Fran Copeland,

Earnest L. Daniel, Billy Ray Daniels, Teresa J. Danne, Dr. Keren H. Deal, Avito P. DeAndrade, Marilyn R.

Dozier, Peter Dranka, Tammy L. Dunn, Sandra K. Eddlemon, Samuel I. Edge, Dana G. Edison, Cleotis W.

Emerson, Steven Emerson, Bill A. Flowers, Ann Marie Franklin, John C. Franks, William S. Frederics, Lola

Fuqua-Haney, William L. Goodwin, Jr., Rose Ann Goss, Patricia C. Haigler, Janice C. Hamm, Margaret R.

Hanlon, Joseph Lamar Harris, Pamela K. Harris, Veronica M. Harris, Jeffery Jay Hartkoff, Avis A. Haw-

kins, Arthur J. Henderson, Hyeon Heo, Robert A. Hillan, Dennice Hillard, Cynthia Cherie Holiness, G. Dan-

iel Howard, James D. Howell, Michael G. Hudson, Sharal B. Huegele, Patricia O. Hughes, Matthew James,

Marcus Johnson, Ronald L. Jones, Susan McPherson Jones, Nicole R. Lee, Sandra K. Leibold, Carmen Y.

Leonard, Pamela L. McCoy, Dr. Harriet S. Littlepage, Candice R. Maroney, Wilmer Marshall, Jr. Antonia

R. Martin Lalor, Sherry E. Masters, Frank D. Mayhall, Danielle Caitlin Moore, John Gilbert Morris, Andrette

R. Munnerlyn, Kenneth R. Odom, Angela T. Palmer, Tashundrea B. Patterson, Byron Bodie Pickens, Melis-

sa C. Pierce, Casi Edwards Poslajko, Benjamin B. Powell, III, David Pruitt, Jamie Elizabeth Robison,

Hershel A. Rodgers, Michael Rushing, Vernita I. Saunders, Towanna Sears, J. Kevin Smith, Lee J. Smith,

Jr. Penny Smith, William Dale Smith, Donna E. Snyder, Karen Davis Stanley, Sandra S. Steele, Ida M. Tay-

lor, Nakia Tetter, Walter L. Thomas, Jr, Donna F. Tipps, Terese N. Toby, Margie R. Toney, Karen E. Van-

Sant, Charlene Wachs, Michael E. Weaver, Johna W. Weeks, Regina T. Williams, Jo Clairce Wood, Perry V.

Young, Steven R. Young, and Joshua Zender.

Pamela Hill and Sandra Steele, CGFM Co-Directors

t least two years of professional-level experience in government

Free CGFM® Exam for AGA Members!

AGA members can now take a CGFM examination for free.

Enroll in the CGFM program in April or May and save $125!

Click here for full details

P a g e 9 T h e C a p i t a l C i t y F o c u s

MENTORSHIP

The Montgomery AGA Mentorship Program is a unique, informal mentoring program

that is designed to connect ambitious, young professionals with seasoned, high-level

business, governmental, and community leaders within the River Region who will

support them in their professional and personal development.

We are currently accepting applications for both Mentors and Mentees. Applications

can be submitted online via the website: www.montgomeryaga.org. This is a great

opportunity for our members to support each other, give back and make a difference

in the life of a young professional.

COMMUNITY SERVICE UPCOMING EVENTS

Joy to Life Walk- April 18th

If you would like to walk or run for Breast Cancer Awareness, please join us on Saturday, April 18 th at the annual Joy to

Life Walk. Registration is $25 per registrant. You can also volunteer at work stations or donate funds in support of

Breast Cancer Awareness. If you are interested, please contact Terese Toby (terese.toby@mh.alabama.gov) or Saketa

Wilkerson (Saketa.wilkerson@treasury.alabama.gov) or you can register at http://events.joytolife.org- you can sign up to

walk under “TEAM AGA WALK” or sign up to volunteer under “TEAM AGA VOLUNTEER”.

Fundraiser for Joy to Life 15th

Year Celebration for Breast Cancer Awareness

Community Service will be selling Krispy Kreme doughnut coupons for $8. Every coupon sold will provide a $4.25

donation to Breast Cancer Awareness. Whether you have been affected directly or indirectly, let’s show our AGA sup-

port for Breast Cancer Awareness. Take a few minutes and place your order online by March 31st. If you choose not to

order a coupon, monetary donations are always appreciated for “TEAM AGA WALK” or “TEAM AGA VOLUN-

TEER” that will be participating in the walk on Saturday April 18, 2015.

Zoo Trip

We will be doing our annual zoo trip with a select group of Montgomery Children on Saturday, May 9 th from 8am to

1pm, at the Montgomery Zoo. If you would like to volunteer to tour the zoo with the children, please contact Terese To-

by (terese.toby@mh.alabama.gov) or Saketa Wilkerson (Saketa.wilkerson@treasury.alabama.gov) no later than Friday,

April 24, 2015.

Giving Link

MEMBERSHIPMEMBERSHIP

Recruit a Member

Did you know that a large percentage of new members join AGA simply because someone invited them?

As a valued member, you can impact the future of AGA by sharing your experience with your peers, your staff and others in your organization

with an interest in government financial management. No one knows better than a current AGA member how beneficial membership is to advanc-

ing government accountability.

National Super Recruiters Club

When you recruit ten members, you become part of the Super Recruiters Club! Super Recruiter status affords many exclusive rewards, including

recognition at a private reception at the annual PDT. Other rewards include: a lapel pin, certificate, VIP status at all national events and logo wear

apparel.

National Recognition and Rewards

Recruit ONE or more members, and receive a Sponsor lapel pin.

Receive special recognition in AGA publications and at AGA events.

Montgomery Chapter Recognition and Rewards

Recruit FOUR or more members by April 30th, and receive a chance to win a $25 American Express Gift Card.

Receive special recognition at the May Awards Luncheon.

We truly value each member of the Montgomery Chapter

of the Association of Government Accountants

To ensure your membership satisfaction, we would like to answer some frequently asked questions:

Q: If I attended the fall conference do I need to renew my membership for 2015-2016?

A: No. Your 2015-2016 membership was included in your conference registration. Please disregard any renewal notice emails or invoices!

Q: If I did not have a 2014-2015 membership and I attended the fall conference, when will I receive my membership information?

A: Membership information for the fall conference attendees has been processed. You should receive a new member’s kit in the mail in the

next few weeks. You will receive an email with your membership number and default password. If you did not submit a new member’s

application prior to January 31st, then the shipment of your kit may be delayed.

Q: If I hold the CGFM designation and I attended the conference, are there any additional steps I need to take to renew my certification?

A: Yes. If you are a CGFM, please remit the $30 CGFM renewal fee to National AGA in order to maintain your certification.

Q: How do I renew my membership if I did not attend the conference?

A: If you attend the AGA conference in April, then your membership renewal will be included in your registration. If you do not plan to

attend the conference, then you may renew your membership online at https://www.agacgfm.org/My-AGA/Sign-in.aspx?RET=/

Membership/Secure/Annual-Renewal.aspx

Q: What if I have additional questions regarding my membership?

A: Please feel free to email membership@montgomeryaga.org with any additional questions. We are here to serve you.

P a g e 1 1 T h e C a p i t a l C i t y F o c u s

National Academic Scholarships

AGA Scholarships

Are you or a family member pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in a course such as accounting, auditing, budget-

ing, economics, finance, information technology, or public administration? If so, consider applying for an AGA Academ-

ic Scholarship today!

This year, AGA will award:

Rising College Freshman: One full-time ($3,000) and one part-time ($1,500)

Full-Time Application

Part-Time Application

Current Undergraduates: Three full-time ($3,000) and two part-time ($1,500)

Full-Time Application

Part-Time Application

Graduate Students: Two full-time ($3,000) and one part-time ($1,500)

Full-Time Application

Part-Time Application

Community Service: AGA can award two $1,500 scholarship for community service amongst the three collegiate cate-

gories noted above.

Rising College Freshman Community Service Application

Current Undergraduate Community Service Application

Graduate Community Service Application

The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, Apr. 17, 2015. Questions? Contact awards@agacgfm.org.

Link to Application:

Click: Lands' End.com

MARCH LUNCHEON WINNERS

(2) Zoo/Museum Admission Tickets

Yashica Ware

(2) Old Alabama Town Admission Tickets

Beverlyn Dean

P a g e 1 2

T h e C a p i t a l C i t y F o c u s

2014-2015 AGA CHAPTER

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President, LaTaya Lucas

Dept of Corrections

(334) 353-5520

LaTaya.Lucas@doc.alabama.gov

President Elect, Nakia Tetter

State Military Dept.

(334) 271-7435

Nakia.Tetter@smd.alabama.gov

Immediate

Past President, Margie Toney

Dept of Revenue

(334) 353-9284

Margie.Toney@revenue.alabama.gov

Secretary, Nicole Boswell

Insurance Dept.

(334) 241-4182

Nicole.Boswell@insurance.alabama.gov

Assistant Secretary

Angela Abernathy

Dept of Education

(334) 353-9106

Aabernathy@alsde.edu

Treasurer, Jeannie Price

Secretary of State

(334) 242-7220

jprice@apls.state.al.us

Financial Secretary

Janice Duncan

Dept of Transportation

(334) 242-6000

DuncanJ@dot.state.al.us

Board of Directors Link:

Click Here

How to Contact Us!

2014-2015 DIRECTORY

UPCOMING EVENTS

AGA Spring Conference DOUBLETREE HOTEL

April 17

Joy to Life Walk

Register Today

April 18

Gulf Region Professional

Development Training

May 5-6

AGA Scholarship & Award

Luncheon

@

12 Noon

May 15