29th Annual Conference - Carl Vinson Institute of … ANNUAL CONFERENCE Dear Fellow GGFOA Members and Friends: The 29th Annual Conference is just around the corner. This year we will

GEORGIA GOVERNMENTFINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

29th Annual Conference

September 28–October 1, 2014 Hilton Savannah DeSoto | Savannah, GA

Charting the Course

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GGFOA Conference 2014 Charting the Course

29TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Dear Fellow GGFOA Members and Friends:

The 29th Annual Conference is just around the corner. This year we will be returning to downtown Savannah with a conference theme of “Charting the Course”. The DeSoto Hilton will be hosting our conference which will begin on Sunday, September 28th and end on Wednesday October 1st.

Your conference committee chair, Rachel Bembry, and her committee have been working diligently to bring you another successful conference. On Sunday, we will kick-off the conference with a President’s Reception under the Savannah skies and magnificent oaks in Madison Square. Providing entertainment at this event will be New Arts Ensembles, classical musicians that will be performing unique contemporary arrangements. In addition, Savannah Bee Company will be providing honey tasting.

The reception will provide you with an opportunity to expand your relationships with other members, our corporate sponsors, and exhibitors while sampling honey and enjoying music in one of the truly great historic cities of this country.

In keeping with tradition, we will offer a general session on Monday and Wednesday. Monday’s general session will provide you with the legislative update, a health care reform update, state of the economy, and the accounting and auditing update. Wednesday’s general session will conclude the conference and feature two keynote speakers Craig Price and Jan McInnis. Each of these keynote speakers will humor, inspire, and motivate you to “Chart your Course”.

Last year’s casino event was such a success that we decided to bring back the black jack tables. After dinner on Tuesday, you can roll the dice. Once inside the casino, each of you will be given $25,000 (in customized play money). Games will include roulette, blackjack, Texas hold’em, and craps. A disc jockey, casino dealers, and a pit boss will be your hosts.

James PehrsonPresident, GGFOA

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CONFERENCE FACILITYThe annual conference will be held at the DeSoto Hilton, 15 East Liberty Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401. For directions, please visithttp://www.desotohilton.com/location

PARKINGDaily parking is at the standard valet rate of $18 per day. Parking for overnight guests is at a rate of $15 per day.

HOTELThe DeSoto Hilton is located at 15 East Liberty Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401. For reservations, please contact the hotel at 1-877-280-0751 before September 2, 2014, in order to secure the conference rate.

Please mention Georgia Government Finance Officers Association or the Group Code TBU to receive the group rate.

A block of rooms has been reserved at DeSoto Hilton until September 2, 2014, or the date on which all rooms in the block have been reserved, whichever comes first, at a rate of $142.00 per night plus applicable taxes. After September 2, room reservations will be accepted on an availability basis only and may be subject to an increased rate. Payment for lodging is to be made directly to the DeSoto Hilton, and you will receive a confirmation number from the hotel. You are responsible for contacting the hotel regarding cancellations and/or changes to your stay. TAX EXEMPTIONFor exemption of state sales tax, you must pay with a state, city, or county government check and at check-in present a state, city, or county government tax exemption certificate that includes the tax exemption number. To be exempt from hotel/motel excise tax, please present a hotel/motel exemption form at check-in.

REGISTRATION FEEThe registration fee includes conference materials, all meals noted on the conference agenda, refreshment breaks, and Monday afternoon optional activities. The registration fee for the full conference is $325.00 for GGFOA members and $375.00 for non-members. If you are not a GGFOA member and register for the non-member rate, you will have an opportunity to join GGFOA with your first year membership dues waived. Please see the membership committee at the conference for additional information.

REGISTRATION 1. Please register online by visiting the Carl Vinson Institute of Government web site at http://www.vinsoninstitute.org/ggfoa and pay by credit card. You will be prompted to request a password to access the online registration system. Once you have received the password, you can view and update your profile and register for the conference.

2. If you are unable to register online and pay by credit card, please download the registration form, complete it, and mail with a check to the address listed on the registration form. We cannot accept credit card payments through the mail; payment by credit card is available only through the online method.

3. Payment of fees must be received before conference registration is confirmed.

4. Confirmation will be sent to the address listed on the registration form.

GUEST/SPOUSE FEESGuest event requests will be accepted during pre-registration and must be paid for in advance. Guest event requests will not be accepted on site. The full guest/spouse event fee includes the Sunday reception and the Tuesday evening banquet and entertainment. Or, you may register for each event separately. When completing your conference registration form, please include the name of your guest/spouse.

EVENT BEVERAGESA total of four complimentary drink tickets will be provided by GGFOA for the Sunday Reception and Tuesday evening reception and banquet.

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CANCELLATION POLICYWritten notice of cancellation must be postmarked/dated no later than September 5, 2014, to receive a full refund of registration fees. Written requests postmarked/dated between September 6, 2014, and September 13, 2014, will be assessed a 25% administrative fee, and requests postmarked/dated after September 14, 2014, are not eligible for a refund. Registrants who fail to attend, cancel, or send a substitute, are liable for the full registration fee. Substitution of participant is encouraged over cancellation. To cancel registration or send a substitute, please send notification to Debbie Barron at [email protected], via fax at (706) 542-2176, or by mail at Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia, 201 N. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30602-5482.

SESSION TRACKSCreate your own curriculum among the concurrent session tracks by choosing one track per concurrent session.

CPE CREDIT: You will earn 19.2 hours CPE credit by attending the entire conference.

ATTIRE: Come dressed relaxed and backyard casual for all sessions and events!

MEMBERSHIP DUES The Carl Vinson Institute of Government does not collect membership dues. Visit the GGFOA web site at www.ggfoa.org for membership information.

GOLF: Monday 1:00-5:00 pmThe golf tournament will be held at Southbridge Golf Club. The Southbridge Golf Club is approximately 15 minutes from the hotel. Activities will be offered complimentary for GGFOA members and vendors. There will be a $33 fee for guests of conference participants. Please be prepared to provide your handicap during the registration process.

TOURS/ACTIVITIES: Monday 2:00-5:00pmWhile there is a lot to do in Savannah, three different tour options are also available as group events. For the scheduled tours below, we must meet the minimum guarantee for the tours by September 15, or the tours will be cancelled. Activities will be offered complimentary for GGFOA members and vendors. There will be a $25 fee for guests of conference participants.

1. Savannah Slow Ride - Savannah Slow Ride is the original, 100% pedal powered, eco-friendly way to see Savannah. Our fifteen person bicycle tours (you read that right, fifteen people on one bike!) take you through Savannah’s beautiful historic downtown. There will be two different tour options through Savannah Slow Ride.

Choose one of the following:

• Boos Cruise: Exploring Savannah’s Haunted Past - Hop onboard for some hair-raising tales from these expert Guides. Their expertise on Savannah’s haunted past will keep you mesmerized and looking over your shoulder as you creep past some truly remarkable scenes from war battles, mass graves and especially the haunted houses and landmarks. This tour will depart from the City Market. Two times are available, 2:00-4:00pm and 3:00-5:00pm.

• “Holy Savannah” Church Crawl - Churches are an aspect of Savannah history that is often overlooked. There are many beautiful, majestic and one-of-a-kind houses of worship throughout the Historic District. This tour will depart from the City Market. Two times are available, 2:00-4:00pm and 3:00-5:00pm.

2. Great Overview History Tour - Jump on one of the Old Town Trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment, a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment. Their friendly conductors narrate the tour with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. They will guide you through “Georgia’s First City” on one of their orange and green trolleys. Travel back to the Civil War era as you visit the Green-Meldrim House, a Gothic revival style building which once served as General Sherman’s headquarters. Nearby is the beautiful Mercer-Williams House, where the controversial events described in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil played out. A few blocks further are the Andrew Low House, home to the founder of Girl Scouts USA, Juliette Gordon Low, and the Flannery O’Connor House. You’ll appreciate the Southern charm and hospitality at every place that you visit. Participants will be provided a tour ticket and map at registration. Our group has on & off privileges but are asked to break into smaller groups when boarding the trolleys. The tour is a 90 minute tour and departs every 20 minutes from various locations throughout the city including Madison Square.

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CONFERENCE AGENDA

Sunday, September 28

1:00–4:00pm Activities on your own

3:00–5:00 Registration

4:00–5:00 First-Time Attendee Reception

6:00–9:00 President’s Reception Casual attire is suggested. The Sunday evening President’s Reception will include

a buffet under the magnificent oaks of Madison Square. You will be able to enjoy musical entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and the special opportunity to sample delicious honeys from the Savannah Bee Company.

Monday, September 29

8:00–8:30am Exhibitor Hall Open

8:30–12:00 General Session President’s Breakfast Welcome and Introduction

8:45–9:45 Legislative Update Instructor: Tom Gehl, GMA and Clint Mueller, ACCG This session will focus on issues for 2015 Legislative Session; including but

not limited to, ACCG/GMA negotiations on the local options sales tax law (LOST),proposed property tax administration reforms, and next steps to finding a sustainable funding source for transportation improvement projects. The session will also include updates on the following topics: Title Ad Valorem Tax Revenues (TAVT), Local Energy Excise Tax, Local Sales Tax Revenue Information from the Department of Revenue, and Debt Setoff.

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9:45–10:15 Healthcare Reform Update–Are You Prepared For the Final Two Big Provisions? Instructor: Chris Clark, CEBS, The McCart Group The final 2 big issues from PPACA that will impact employers and finance

professionals are on the horizon. The most pressing is new required reporting on your health plan and employee participation that you must file with the Feds. It’s also time to learn and start planning for the 2018 ‘Cadillac Tax’.

10:15–10:45 A&A Update Instructor: Miller Edwards, CPA, Mauldin & Jenkins The purpose of the governmental audit and accounting update is to address new

and pending financial reporting GASB pronouncements and auditing standards relevant to state and local governments.

10:45–11:00 Break

11:00–12:00 Economic Outlook Instructor: Michael Wolf, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC Michael will provide an overview of the U.S. economy and discuss various topics

including, the current state of the labor market, business investment, monetary policy and the ongoing recovery in the housing market. In addition, he will discuss issues specific to Georgia and the major metropolitan areas of the state and provide an outlook for growth moving forward.

12:00–1:00 Box Lunch

Group Activities or Concurrent Sessions:

1:00–4:30 CPFO Exam CVIOG

1:15–4:05 Advanced Excel (2 hrs 30 min) Instructor: Chris Deatherage, Henry County This Excel 2010 course will cover a broad overview starting from the terminology,

formatting spreadsheets, Pivot Tables , Slicers, Graphs and Charts, and formulas and how to help troubleshoot or correct a formula. This is class for intermediate level and above, however, all levels can benefit.

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1:15–2:30 Lies, Damned Lies & Economic Forecasts Instructors: Kevin Webb , CFA, Cantor Fitzgerald Economic forecasts and the performance of economic forecasters will be the

focus of this session. In addition to discussing economic forecasts available online, this session will examine the ranking of forecasters for variables such as the Fed Funds Rate, 10Yr Treasury Yield, Unemployment Rate, GDP and CPI using a simple framework that takes user preferences into consideration. Come find out how your favorite forecasting firm performed and why bad forecasts can be useful to the Public Fund Portfolio Manager. Note: No Economists were harmed in the preparation of this analysis.

1:15–2:30 Common Deficiencies in Financial Reporting Instructor: Tom Carmichael, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC The objective of the presentation is to review the most common deficiencies

identified in annual reports and discuss best practices utilized in report preparation.

1:15–2:30 It’s About Time! Instructor: Chris Pike, CPA, City of Dunwoody

We all face hectic schedules. This presentation will identify tips and tactics for remaining productive while achieving a satisfying life balance at work and at home.

2:30–2:50 Break/Exhibitor Visitation

SunTrust Bank, Member FDIC. © 2014 SunTrust Banks, Inc. SunTrust is a federally registered service mark of SunTrust Banks, Inc. How can we help you shine? is a service mark of SunTrust Banks, Inc.

SunTrust proudly supports the 2014 GGFOA 29th Annual Conference .

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“Bank of America Merrill Lynch” is the marketing name for the global banking and global markets businesses of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., member FDIC. Securities, strategic advisory, and other investment banking activities are performed globally by investment banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (”Investment Banking Affiliates”), including, in the United States, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., both of which are registered broker-dealers and members of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. Investment products offered by Investment Banking Affiliates: Are Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • Are Not Bank Guaranteed. ©2013 Bank of America Corporation ARE7CD1F | GCB-119-AD

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is honored to join in wishing you all the best on your many achievements and future successes.

Proud to support GGFOA.

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Concurrent Sessions:

Employee versus ContractorInstructor: Chris Pike, CPA, City of Dunwoody For most situations, it’s cut-and-dry. But what questions do you need to answer for those more difficult situations. Judges, lifeguards, attorneys…when are they employees and when are they contractors!

The Cornerstones for Grant Accounting, Administration and Single Audit PreparationInstructor: Zach Propes, Bates, Carter & Co. This class will cover the 4 basic cornerstones – centralization, organization, specialization and precision – for a successful grant program. Additionally, we will discuss the Single Audit requirements and how to prepare for an external audit. This class will be engaging and provide extensive knowledge regarding grant administration and compliance.

Anatomy of a Data Breach…Instructor: Dan Houston, The McCart Group Cyber Risk: History, Breach, Response, Insurance and Litigation This presentation will provide an explanation of the internet; its risks and risk management and insurance solutions. We will also discuss the initial internal investigation stage through the notification, government enforcement, and class action stages. Crisis management, timely remedial action, accurate assessments of harm, individual and governmental notifications can salvage, or at least mitigate, a breach crisis. We will also conduct a postmortem analysis of a breach, and will recommend steps to enhance cyber-security and compliance programs to safeguard data against future security breaches.

Breakfast BuffetExhibitor Hall Open

Concurrent Sessions

Internal Controls: How to Stay Out of the Headlines! Instructors: Clay Pilgrim, CPA, CFE, CFF, Rushton & Company, LLC Internal controls are seldom discussed until names appear in the local news headlines. By gaining an understanding of why an employee may decide to commit fraud and how they are successful, management will be better prepared to assess the risks of employee fraud and properly design internal controls to prevent it. A thorough understanding of internal controls and how they help deter fraud and improve financial reporting is critical for any organization.

Choose CRI, where the experience of our governmental auditors and advisors are your checkmate.

CRIcpa.com | [email protected]

2:50–4:05

2:50–4:05

2:50–4:05

Tuesday, September 30

8:00–9:00

9:00–10:15

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The PFM GroupOur sole focus is serving our clients’ interests.

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PFMAM is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. A copy of our Form ADV, Parts 2A & B is available upon request.PFM is a registered municipal advisor with the SEC and the MSRB under the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010.

Office locations throughout the country including:

Atlanta600 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 3770 • Atlanta, GA 30308 • 404.876.1919

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Financial & Investment AdvisorsThe PFM Group

The PFM Group of companies, including Public FinancialManagement, Inc. and PFM Asset Management LLC are nationalleaders in providing independent financial advice as well asinvestment advisory, management and consulting services to publicsector and non-profit entities. We seek to provide the highest qualityadvice as a trusted fiduciary partner, enabling clients to raise, invest,and manage the resources they need in the most cost-effectivemanner possible.

We are able to serve client needs in every area of municipal andnon-profit finance:

Through Public Financial Management, Inc. (PFM)• Registered Municipal Advisors• Capital Formation, Bond Pricing and Debt Management• Fiscal Stability and Workforce Consulting• Retirement Plan Finance• Strategic Planning• Merger and Acquisition Consulting• Public Private Partnerships• Economic Development Analysis and Negotiation• Human Services and Budget Consulting

Through PFM Asset Management LLC (PFMAM)• Fixed Income and Cash Management• Asset Management for Retirement Plans,

Endowments, and Foundations• Bond Proceeds and Debt Service Reserve Strategies• Investment and Treasury Consulting• Arbitrage Rebate and Compliance

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9:00–10:15 Popular Annual Financial Report | Navigating your way to Popular Instructor:MarkusSchwab,CPA/CITP/CGMA,CityofGriffin This session will help you find your way to a successful PAFR. Helpful hints and tips to guide you from preparation to distribution. From pointers on data workflow to effort and organization will make easy the transition from CAFR to PAFR. We will explore creative options and consider methods to adequately and properly present such a document in accordance with GFOA’s PAFR Program.

9:00–10:15 Ensuring the Best Outcome for your RFP Instructor: Stefan Jaskulak, DeKalb County Laurel Hord Hill, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Budgets are constrained, resources are tight, and procuring banking services has gotten more complex. With the right process, tools and insights, you can develop a winning Request For Proposal (RFP) for banking services. This session will focus on best practices for developing, issuing and evaluating RFPs for banking services. Speakers will highlight innovative ideas for ensuring that your RFP paves the way to selecting the right banking partner for your organization. In a unique twist to the discussion, hear speakers – the practitioner and the banker - address both sides of the process. Lessons learned from both perspectives will help ensure you survive and thrive during your next RFP process!

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Baird understands that funding capital improvements and managing your debt can be daunting. That’s why our clients trust us to provide the best solutions for their needs through a variety of services, including:

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For a partner with the resources and experience to help you achieve your financing goals, contact Baird today.

Financing your future growth.

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Brian Ubell [email protected] 404-264-2236

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9:00–10:15 All Things Debt...from a legal and accounting perspective-Part I Instructor: Joel M. Black, Mauldin & Jenkins Kenneth B. Pollock, McKenna Long & Aldridge, LLP

This two part class will discuss the legal aspects of the various types of debt available for governments to issue and why you may issue one type of debt over another. We will also discuss, at a high level, the process of issuing debt. Finally, we will walk through and perform exercises on how to account for basic debt issuances in both governmental and proprietary funds. Then advance to accounting for refunding issuances – including how to calculate that pesky gain or loss on refunding.

9:00–10:15 Maximizing the Value of Your Public Rights of Ways and City Infrastructure Instructor: Greg Fender, President, Local Government Services, LLC

This session will assist GGFOA members in determining the value of the public rights of ways and strategies they can use to increase its value. The public right of way is the most valuable asset a city has. Participants will also gain an insight in key issues associated with negotiations for the use of public land, water towers and communication towers by telecommunication companies.


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Commercial banking products and services are provided by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Investment banking and capital markets products and services are provided by Wells Fargo Securities, and are not a condition to any banking product or service. Wells Fargo Securities is the trade name for certain securities-related capital markets and investment banking services of Wells Fargo & Company and its subsidiaries, including Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, member NYSE, FINRA, and SIPC, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Municipal derivatives services are provided by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ©2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. All rights reserved. MC-6512

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10:35–11:50 The Budget Process A-Z Instructor: Beth Horacek, Dekalb County

This course will provide an overview of the annual operating and capital budget process for local governments. We will examine the various processes associated with preparing and adopting a budget as well as required legal requirements. In addition we will cover the importance of citizen involvement in determining public priorities to be addressed within the budget.

10:35–11:50 Has my Government’s Guarantee Created a Liability?–GASB 70 Instructor: Chris Hollifield, CPA, Rushton & Company, LLC

GASBS 70 – Accounting and Financial Reporting for Nonexchange Financial Guarantees. This is a critical issue for all governments that from time to time assist others with issuing debt. Governments that extend financial guarantees for the obligations of another entity without receiving equal value in exchange have specific disclosure requirements and may have a liability to recognize. GASB 70 is effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2013.

10:35–11:50 Can I Help You? Or Not! Instructor: Judy W. Smith, Jackson County Water & Sewerage Authority

In the age of customer no-service it’s all the more important to remember who our customers are and what we are charged to do for them. We’ll get back to the basics of good, old fashioned, common courtesy and customer care as we discuss how to provide the best in customer care!

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All Things Debt…from a legal and accounting perspective-Part II Instructors: Joel M. Black, Mauldin & Jenkins Kenneth B. Pollock, McKenna Long & Aldridge, LLP

This two part class will discuss the legal aspects of the various types of debt available for governments to issue and why you may issue one type of debt over another. We will also discuss, at a high level, the process of issuing debt. Finally, we will walk through and perform exercises on how to account for basic debt issuances in both governmental and proprietary funds. Then advance to accounting for refunding issuances – including how to calculate that pesky gain or loss on refunding.

The Tax Digest A-Z Instructor: John Culpepper, Athens-Clarke County Jim Davis, Monroe County

The Tax Digest is the document all local governments rely on for the basis of their property tax revenue. It is compiled yearly by the Tax Commissioner and the Board of Tax Assessors before being approved by the Georgia Department of Revenue. It is then used to compute the ad valorem taxes to be collected to fund counties, cities and school systems in Georgia. This session will explain the construction of the tax digest, how it is used to compute taxes, how the revenue is collected, disbursed and how the revenue is administered and accounted for.

Lunch GFOA Update Recognition of Graduates Treasurer’s Report/Items of Business Introduction of New Board

Concurrent Sessions

Capital Asset Problematic Areas and Policies Instructor: Beth Grimes, Bates, Carter & Co. Amanda Wilkson, Bates, Carter & Co.

In theory, accounting for capital assets is very straight forward. In practice, it can be very complicated. This session will provide guidance related to complicated capital assets transactions and policies that related specifically to capital assets. Upon completion of the course, attendees should be able to:

· Address problematic areas involving capitalizable costs

· Address problematic areas involving ownership issues

2:20–3:35

10:35–11:50

10:35–11:50

12:00–2:00

Personal, dedicated service for your retirement plan, delivered with your employees in mind.

200 Ashford Center North, Suite 400 • Atlanta, Georgia 30338Phone: 404.814.0141 • Fax: 404.795.04825 • www.AtlantaRetirementPartners.com

• Fiduciary Services• Participant Education

• Investment Support• Plan Design Optimization

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, A Registered Investment Advisor – Member FINRA/SIPC.

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For more information, contact your local government banker:

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· Address best practices in capital asset policies

· Receive guidance on the practical challenges of accounting for capital assets and similar items on a day-to-day basis

2:20–3:35 Ready or Not, Here They Come! Instructor: John Holden, Rushton & Company, LLC Alisha Gamble, City of Gainesville

The key to a successful audit is planning, both on the part of the auditor and the auditee. Before year end, discussions should be include significant events during the year, such as unusual and/or complex transactions, changes in staff for both the auditor and auditee, changes in the internal control structure of the auditee, and any new GASB standards or changes in state laws or local ordinances. Establishing an audit schedule, to include dates of the fieldwork and a calendar of documents (when documents will be ready and who will prepare them) will help insure a smoother audit. Finally, reviewing notes from the prior year on what worked well and what didn’t work will help maximize the efficiency of both the auditor and auditee.

2:20–3:35 Not Another Budget Report: How to take the boring out of your presentations Instructor: Christie Haynes, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce

Presentations are a major part of all of our lives. We often sit through (or give) reports that leave audiences with glazed over eyes. In this session, we will identify ways to make our presentations more relatable and to more effectively reach our audiences.

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challenges of today’s public sector.

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governments, authorities and health departments.

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2:20–3:35 Post-Issuance Compliance and Arbitrage Rebate: Why This Matters Instructor: Rebecca Quarles, Bingham Arbitrage

The bonds sold, and the money is finally in hand for all those projects that the voters and the governing bodies desperately wanted. Nothing to do now but pay the bills, right? WRONG! Learn why the work after the bond sale is just as important as the work before. This session focuses on why arbitrage rebate compliance matters to you.

2:20–3:35 Frank Talk About Using TADs and Related Tools to Advance Redevelopment in Smaller Markets (AKA It’s Not All About Atlanta!) Instructor: Cheryl Strickland, Stifel Nicolaus

Small, medium, and rural communities throughout Georgia face unique development financing challenges such as revitalization, agricultural advancement, tourism financing, manufacturing, food systems, and energy finance. Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) and related redevelopment tools have been used successfully in Georgia, but primarily in metro Atlanta. But it’s not all about Atlanta! Please join me for a candid discussion on realistic and practical approaches to economic development funding solutions in our State’s smaller towns and markets.


3:55–5:10 Understanding the Chart of Accounts Instructor: John Hulsey, Carl Vinson Institute of Government

This session will provide an overview of the Third Edition of the Uniform Chart of Accounts for Local Governments. Participants will learn “key” concepts pertaining to the history and structure of the chart, what the chart does and does not require, and the relationship of the chart to the report of local government finances. The session will conclude with addressing frequently asked questions about the proper use of the chart in recording transactions.

3:55–5:10 Employee Benefits Survey Update – Benefit Trends in Georgia Public Sector Instructor: Chris Clark, CEBS, The McCart Group

The GGFOA partners with The McCart Group on a state-wide employee benefits survey, which has just completed its third year. This session will review the latest results and identify emerging national and local trends in employee benefits.

Bingham Arbitrage Rebate Services, Inc., a woman-owned firm located in Richmond, Virginia — leading the way in expert tax-exempt bond compliance since 1988. Our unique focus includes Arbitrage Rebate, Verification and Schedule K Form 990 Services. Working closely with bond counsel, Bingham’s highly experienced staff continually monitors changes in United States Treasury Regulations and tax laws, guiding clients through myriad compliance complexities, from Small Issuer to large volume issuances. Our firm regularly supports the Georgia Government

Finance Officers Association, remaining current with important financial topics affecting our clients on a local and national level. We are ready to help your organization learn the in’s and out’s of bond compliance. Stop by our booth for more information about our firm and our services. Visit our website at www.bingham-ars.com or call us for a quote on our toll-free number (888) 900-5312.

We welcome the opportunity to serve you!

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Stifel has financed specialized projects essential to the prosperity and health of local communities. Working

with governments and nonprofit organizations, we structure debt in order to finance public infrastructure for

counties, cities, towns, communities, community facilities districts, schools, community colleges, universities,

enterprise utilities, housing authorities, and state agencies throughout Georgia and the southeast.

Visit www.stifel.com/publicfinance or contact a member of our team for personalized service:

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com/publicfinance

3630 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 400 | Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Ernest LibershteynVice [email protected](404) 846-0377

Cheryl Thomas Strickland [email protected](404) 841-7839

Tom Woodward Managing [email protected](404) 937-1269

Dedicated to public prosperity and growth since 1890.

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3:55–5:10 Get Ready for the GASB Scramble Instructor: Leon F. (Rocky) Joyner, Jr., ASA, MAAA, FCA, EA, Segal

GASB’s Statements 67 and 68 (not Chicago’s Questions 67 and 68) will rearrange where accounting for pension liability resides in your CAFR and require a new map to locate funding information. This session will walk through the nuts and bolts of the changes as well as digging into potential misunderstanding that may result from the new Standards.

3:55–5:10 Muni Advisor Ruling Instructor: Dianne McNabb, The PFM Group

3:55–5:10 Hotel-Motel Tax 101 Instructor: Jonathan Sharpe, Georgia Department of Community Affairs

This conference segment, presented by the Department of Community Affairs’ Office of Research and Surveys, will focus on applicable legislation governing the collection and expenditure of Lodging Accommodation (Hotel-Motel) Tax revenues by local governments. Among a variety of topics covered will be taxing rights, expenditure restrictions, important definitions, decision-making and planning tips, and available resources, plus documentation handouts to take with you.

6:00-7:00 Reception 7:00-11:00 Banquet and Casino Night! (business casual attire is appropriate)

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Wednesday, October 1

7:45–8:45 Breakfast Buffet

8:45–10:15 Getting a Grip on Negativity Keynote Speaker: Craig Price

Is negative thinking causing problems in your business? It may be because you’re not using all that negative thinking to your advantage!

We all know that negativity is an unfortunate part of life. Understanding its usefulness and value is a major key to success. With this innovative, entertaining program Craig Price takes a realistic, humorous look at traditionally “negative” issues. By looking at the hidden value in complainers, criticism and failure, Craig will give tools to not only limit the occurrence of these difficulties, he’ll have you looking at these “problems” in a whole new light.

10:15–10:30 Break

10:30–12:00 Finding the Funny in Change Keynote Speaker: Jan McInnis

Change causes fear, tension and miscommunications. In this popular keynote, Jan McInnis shows attendees how to instantly diffuse tension, kick off tough conversations and facilitate communications through using humor. Attendees will discover the steps they can take to conquer, and even embrace, change.

Door Prizes and Closing Remarks: Alicia Serra, Incoming President

“Fostering Excellence in Government Finance throughout Georgia”

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GGFOA Conference 2014 Charting the CoursePRESENTING

PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

CONTRIBUTOR

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SPEAKER BIOS

Joel M. Black Joel M. Black is a certified public accountant and partner with Mauldin & Jenkins CPA’s (with offices in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee) specializing in serving local and state governmental and non-profit entities throughout the Southeast. Residing in the Atlanta office, he serves on the firm’s Accounting and Audit Committee. He is currently serving on the executive committee of the AICPA’s Government Audit Quality Center and also serves on the AICPA committee responsible for the annual Government and Not for Profit training program. He was also previously the chairman of an AICPA sub-taskforce for improving the quality of internal control and compliance testing in Single Audits.

Prior to joining Mauldin & Jenkins, Mr. Black worked for KPMG in Atlanta, Nashville, and the Department of Professional Practice serving exclusively state and local governments and non-profit entities. Mr. Black has over 22 years of experience providing attestation, consulting and instructional services – serving many major governments in the Southeast. Mr. Black has a B.B.A. in Accounting from Georgia State University. He is a member of the AICPA, GFOA (National and Georgia chapters), and AGA.

Tom Carmichael Tom Carmichael is a Partner with Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC. He has extensive experience representing Georgia cities and counties over the past twenty five years. Tom serves on CRI’s Quality Control Committee and is an instructor in the firm’s Leadership Academy.

Christopher B. Clark, CEBSChristopher B. (Chris) Clark, CEBS has over 20 years experience in employee benefits consulting. Mr. Clark holds the position of Vice President for The McCart Group’s Employer Services Division. The McCart Group is one of the Southeast’s leading insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firms, based in Duluth, Georgia. Chris’ responsibilities at The McCart Group include executive leadership, healthcare consulting with complex employers, as well as leading McCart’s wellness and health management initiatives.

Chris began his career in 1985 with Milliman, an international actuarial consulting firm. Throughout the 1990’s he worked for Aon, the second largest international insurance brokerage and risk management consulting firm. Immediately before coming to McCart, Chris was a Principal with Palmer & Cay, a regional insurance brokerage firm based in Savannah.

Chris earned a BBA in Actuarial Science and a MS in Risk Management, both from Georgia State University. Chris also earned the CEBS designation from The Wharton School and is a past Fellow of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists. He holds current Insurance Agent and Consultant licenses for Georgia and a number of other states. Mr. Clark is a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences and seminars covering Wellness, PPACA, and other employee benefits topics and has published several related articles.

Chris was an adjunct professor at Georgia State University from 1998-2000 in the Risk Mgt and Insurance Department. During that time he taught Undergraduate and Graduate courses in employee benefits. He has also taught continuing education and preparatory courses for various employee-benefits-related professional credentials.

Chris is an active patron of the Atlanta arts community and is currently Chair of the Georgia Symphony / Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras. He is also a Board Member of the Atlanta Regional Health Forum, an organization that, among other things, supports personal and worksite health management initiatives in the metro-Atlanta region.

Chris has been married over 20 years to his wife Mindy. They live in Gwinnett County with their two children.

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John CulpepperGraduate of University of Georgia with an AB in Political Science and graduate work in the MPA Program also at the University of Georgia. Also has completed the requirements for an MBA from Brenau University.

John worked at the Oconee Area Planning and Development Commission in Milledgeville, GA for three years. John also served as Clerk & Treasurer for the City of Milledgeville, GA from 1978-1983. John has been back in Clarke County since 1983, eight years as Director of Finance for Clarke County and twenty-three years as Director of Finance for Athens-Clarke County.

John is a Georgia Certified Finance Officer. He served in a number of positions with Georgia Government Finance Officers Association including President from 1989-1990.

In 1997, John received the University of Georgia’s Arch Award for Public Service.

For the last 20 plus years, John has also taught classes on local government financial operations for the Financial Management Training Program of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at The University of Georgia.

Jim Davis Jim Davis is the Chief Appraiser in Monroe County Georgia. He has 42 years of experience in local and state government having previously served as Bibb County Tax Commissioner, Commissioner-Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety, Bibb and Upson County Chief Appraiser and Whitfield County Administrator. He is a graduate of Georgia Southern University (B.S. Math). Jim served as a Naval Officer during Vietnam. He resides in Macon Ga. with wife Glenda. They share 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren.

Chris DeatherageChris Deatherage, served in the United States Air Force from 1991-2001, worked as technology trainer for ESI Electronic Systems Inc. in Norfolk, VA, Microsoft trainer for CompUSA in Hampton, VA, and was Lead Authorized Microsoft Trainer for Kee Business College in Newport News VA. Now works for Henry County Board of Commissioners in Technology Services as the Technology Trainer and Analyst II Technician. Has obtained various certifications to include Dell Certified, IBM Certified, Comp A+ , Network +, MOUS, and MCSA and has been instructing in many different applications for approximately 20 years.

Miller EdwardsMiller Edwards is a partner and a certified public accountant with Mauldin & Jenkins, CPA. His experience covers a variety of clients in federal, state, and local government. He is responsible for the firm-wide governmental practice division of Mauldin & Jenkins. He also is a member of the Firm’s five (5) member Executive Committee which governs the actions and directions of the Firm. He is a member of the Firm’s Audit & Accounting (A&A) Committee.

Miller has almost thirty (30) years’ experience in providing public accounting services to the governmental sector, all of which has occurred as an auditor with Mauldin & Jenkins. Miller serves both large and small governmental units and is involved directly and indirectly in serving over 70 such governmental entities over the past several years. Miller has experience auditing governmental units in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. As the partner in charge of the governmental practice, he has overseen and directed a very proactive growth in clients served by Mauldin & Jenkins over the past fifteen (15) years which currently include approximately 250 governments in the Southeastern USA.

Miller is an instructor/consultant for the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government providing continuing education to state and local government officials on the subjects of governmental accounting and financial reporting. He provides similar instructional services on behalf of the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association (GGFOA) and the Government Finance Officers Association of Alabama (GFOAA), and is often a guest speaker at various governmental trade shows and conventions.

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Miller was honored with the GGFOA’s award for “Outstanding Service to the GGFOA” during the annual conference held in Savannah in October 2003, recognizing his leadership and effort in providing training and instruction on various topics affecting local governmental entities. Further, on behalf of Mauldin & Jenkins, Miller accepted the GGFOA’s President’s Award recognizing Mauldin & Jenkins efforts in the governmental arena in Georgia as of October 2007. Miller graduated with a B.B.A. and double majors in 1) Accounting, and 2) Risk Management & Insurance from the University of Georgia. Miller is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

Greg FenderGreg Fender is President of Local Government Services, LLC a company he established to assist Municipal Leagues in providing technical assistance to their members. Currently, Mr. Fender is assisting the Alabama League of Municipalities, Arkansas Municipal League, Georgia Municipal Association, Mississippi Municipal League, Municipal Association of South Carolina and the Texas Municipal League with Cable Television Franchise Advisory Services.

Since 1993, Mr. Fender has assisted over 600 local governments in negotiating cable television franchise renewals, performing franchise fee audits, responding to transfer request, negotiating pole attachment agreements, facilitating pole counts, technical audits and the development of Public, Educational and Governmental Access Channels. Mr. Fender also assists cities in negotiating water tower and land lease agreements for telecommunication services and advising cities in developing rights of way ordinances and obtaining compensation for the use of rights of ways

Mr. Fender earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Georgia Southern University. Mr. Fender and his wife Robin reside in Dahlonega, Georgia.

Alisha L. GambleAlisha Gamble started her local government career in 2008 as a staff auditor for RL Jennings & Company in Ellijay, Georgia. After three years of hands on auditing experience, she joined the City of Gainesville, Georgia as a Financial Analyst, a position she currently holds. In this role, she focuses on capital project quarterly and annual reporting, debt payments and scheduling, and serves as grant administrator for capital projects. She also works closely with the annual audit process for all city funds and assists with capital assets reporting for the annual audit. Alisha received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of North Georgia in 2008. Working with the City of Gainesville has granted her the opportunity to serve as Communications Chair for GGFOA for the past two years. She is also an active member of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. Alisha and her husband Joey live in Gainesville and they enjoy spending time with family and friends. Her favorite hobbies are backpacking, camping, hiking, and reading.

Tom GehlTom Gehl is currently the Georgia Municipal Association’s Director of Governmental Affairs, and he is responsible for representing the needs of city governments -- from Adel to Zebulon -- at the Georgia State Capitol. Tom has been working under the Gold Dome since 1990 in various capacities.

Tom is responsible for guiding GMA’s legislative strategy. He has been with GMA since the year 2000.

Prior to GMA, Tom worked under two lieutenant governors and the 56-member senate as the Senior Policy Analyst for the Georgia Senate Research Office. In that role, he served as the lead staff person for the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee, the Senate Transportation Committee, and the State and Local Governmental Operations Committee.

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Tom got his start in the governmental and public affairs arena as a legislative aide in Ford Motor Company’s Southeastern Governmental and Public Affairs Office.

Born at Georgia Baptist Hospital and raised in Emory Village, Tom has an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in political science from Georgia State University.

Tom is married to the former Sarah Beth Coffey of Huntsville, Alabama, is a proud father of his son Nathaniel Quigley, and lives in the Winnona Park neighborhood of Decatur.

Elizabeth (“Beth”) B. Grimes, C.P.A.Beth has over 20 years experience with a heavy concentration in government audit and non-profit entities. Beth graduated from North Georgia College and State University in 1993 with a degree in accounting. She has taught courses for the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association and the Georgia Society of CPAs in the area ofaudit. Beth has taught various courses at the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association’s annual conference. She has provided instruction and training for BatesCarter and its clients on various government and non-profit accounting and reporting topics. Beth is active in her community as well in her professional organizations (see list below). She is also a 2002 graduate of the Georgia Society of CPAs first Leadership Academy. Beth serves on council and various committees of the Georgia Society of CPAs. Additionally, she currently serves as a board member for the Northeast Georgia History Center.

Through a unique combination of right and left-brain abilities, Beth combines exceptional communicationskills with her attention to detail. Because of Beth’s people skills, it’s only natural that her clients find hereasy to talk with, friendly and completely engaged with the success of their organization.

• Training finance staff for various accounting functions• Training finance staff for audit preparation• Assistance with preparation of information for Official Statements• Review of operating budgets• Revenue and expense projections

Professional Affiliations• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants• Member, AICPA’s Government Audit Quality Center• Member, Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants• Member, Georgia Society of CPAs Education Foundation• Chair, Georgia Socity of CPAs Scholarship and Awards Committee for the Education Foundation• Past President of the Northeast Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Society of CPAs• Vice Chair of the Georgia Society of CPAs Governmental Task Force• Member, Government Finance Officer’s Association• Member, Georgia Government Finance Officer’s Association

While away from the office you will find Beth spending time with her husband, Richie, and two daughters,Lindsay and Sarah.

Christie Haynes S. Christie Haynes has been President and CEO of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Office of Tourism Development since August of 2012. During her tenure, she has led a rebranding effort for both organizations. She currently serves locally on the Downtown Dawsonville Steering Committee, Dawson County Family Connections Board, Dawson County Development Authority, and Northeast Georgia Health System Advisory Board. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Christie serves as Chair of the School of Public and International Affairs Alumni Board and was named to UGA’s list of Top 40 Under 40 for 2012. She previously served as President of the Blakely-Early County Chamber of Commerce where she represented Early County on the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, the Southwest Georgia Workforce Investment Board, and as vice

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president of the Plantation Trace Travel Association. She is a graduate of Leadership Dawson and the Georgia Academy of Economic Development and is a certified facilitator of county Leadership programs. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Dawson County and attends church locally. Christie is currently pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication from American University. You can follow Christie on twitter at @christiehaynes..

Laurel Hord HillLaurel Hill is a Senior Vice President in the Government & Institutional Banking Group at Wells Fargo Bank. She is responsible for providing customized financial solutions to local governments, higher education institutions and non-profit organizations in the metro Atlanta area. Mrs. Hill has more than 30 years of banking experience, including 27 years at Wells Fargo. Prior to joining the Government & Institutional Banking Group in 2005, she spent eighteen years in a variety of leadership positions within Treasury Services, including sales management and strategic development focused on several corporate industry segments. She has been a speaker at regional and national treasury management and accounting conferences. In addition, she has served as a faculty member of the UNC Treasury Management Series at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of California at Berkeley Treasury Management Program. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Inc. where she is also Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. In addition, she serves on the Boards of Operation HOPE, Inc. (Southeastern) and West Hunter Street Baptist Church. Mrs. Hill received her Bachelor’s degree in economics, summa cum laude, from Spelman College, where she remains an active alumna.

John P. Holden, CPA, CFEJohn Holden is an Audit Manager with Rushton & Company, LLC, a CPA firm located in Gainesville, Georgia. The firm’s audit practice specializes in auditing and consulting with local governments and authorities. A 2000 graduate of the University of Georgia, John has 14 years’ experience working with local governments. John has also served as a Consulting Instructor for the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and as a presenter at GGFOA conferences. John and his wife Susan live in Athens and have two children, Jessica, an archivist with the University of Massachusetts in Boston, and Michael, a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Ecology.

J. Chris Hollifield, CPAJ. Chris Hollifield is the Managing Partner with Rushton & Company, LLC, a CPA firm located in Gainesville, Georgia. The firm’s audit practice specializes in auditing and consulting with local governments and authorities. A 1992 graduate of the University of Georgia, Chris has managed the firm’s governmental section since 1994 and has 22 years experience working with local governments.

Beth HoracekBeth received a master’s degree in business administration from West Georgia University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Georgia. Beth is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Georgia. She has over twelve years of experience in local government, as well as six years of accounting experience in the private sector. She has been with Gwinnett County from May 2010 to July 2014. She is now with DeKalb County. She is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association, Georgia Government Finance Officers Association, Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

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Daniel W. HoustonPrior to joining The McCart Group in August 2006, Dan was Senior Vice President and Vice President/ Producer with Marsh, Alexander & Alexander (Aon) and Willis/HRH. During his career, he was Director of Risk Management and Insurance Worldwide for NCR Corporation in Dayton, Ohio and Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company in Hickory, North Carolina.

Mr. Houston’s teaching experience includes Catawba Valley College, Sinclair College and Kennesaw State University. He is a guest lecturer at the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Auburn University, Wright State University and Miami (of Ohio) University and The Eisenhower Academy (after his great-uncle Dwight D. Eisenhower). He is the founder of The McCart Learning University.

Mr. Houston has a Bachelor of Technology (BT)-Music degree from Shuford School of Music (Lenoir-Rhyne University), Associates of Science (AS) degree in Accounting from Catawba Valley Community College. He completed business graduate studies at NCR Management College; Advanced Marketing at Princeton (Merrill Lynch) University and the Summer Business School at Oriel College, University of Oxford (UK).

Mr. Houston is a member of the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) and the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) of which he served as a national officer and local president. He served as a member of the Insurance Institute of America Associate in Risk Management (ARM) Advisory Board, Advanced Risk Management Panel, Defense Research Institute, Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), National Association of Accountants (Officer) and founding member of the International Risk Management Federation in Helsinki, Finland.

He is also a member of the Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM) and serves on its Board, British-American Business Council, Danish American Chamber of Commerce, Japan- American Business Council and serves on its Board, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Chairman’s Club.

The Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS) awarded Mr. Houston the Harry and Dorothy Goodell Award” at its Annual Conference in Los Angeles on April 22, 2013. The Award is the most prestigious award the Society bestows on an individual. The Goodell Award recognizes one person who is furthering the goals of risk management and RIMS through outstanding achievement. And in 2010 the Georgia Chapter of the Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS) awarded him the distinction of “2010 Insurance and Risk Management Professional of the Year.”

He is a frequent speaker and has appeared on television and syndicated radio talk shows in the United States and Europe. He has authored over 350 articles, texts and educational courses on risk management, insurance, analytics, contractual risk transfer, music and religion.

John Hulsey, CGFMJohn Hulsey provides financial management training for state and local government officials and personnel through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Financial Management Program. Prior to arriving at the Institute, he served in Jackson County beginning in 1998. He was the county’s first finance director, responsible for the many aspects of financial management in such areas as debt, budgeting, accounting, and project management. He was also an instructor in a number of Vinson Institute financial management courses before joining the Institute as faculty in 2012. Mr. Hulsey currently serves as the past president of the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association.

Areas of expertise: state and local government financial management, including accounting, budgets, and government debt.

Education: M.P.A., North Georgia College & State University

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Stefan Jaskulak, CTP, CFIPStefan Jaskulak is the Deputy Chief Financial Officer focused on financial operations for DeKalb County, including treasury, risk, accounting and financial systems. Previously, Stefan served as Deputy CFO for the City of Atlanta, receiving the Bond Buyer Deal of Year Award for the Southeast Region in 2010 and as Director of Cash Management for the City of Los Angeles, receiving the coveted AFP Pinnacle Award (Grand Prize and Strategy) and London based Treasury Today’s Adam Smith Award for the Virtual City-Virtual Bank conversion project. Prior to joining the City of Los Angeles, Stefan was Assistant Treasurer/First Vice President of Corporate Finance at IndyMac Bank overseeing treasury operations (cash management and disbursements), structured finance (commercial paper and repo facilities) and treasury systems. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and his Master in Business Administration from Newport University. Stefan earned his Certified Cash Manager (CCM) designation in 1999 and subsequently upgraded it to the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) in 2003 and taught the CTP prep course for Brandman University for 5 years. In December 2013, he earned his Certified Fixed Income Practitioner certificate from the Fixed Income Academy.

Leon F. (Rocky) Joyner, Jr

ExpertiseMr. Joyner is a Vice President and Actuary in Segal’s Atlanta office. He has over 35 years of actuarial consulting experience with all types of pension plans. Previous positions with the company include Actuarial Assistant, Actuary, and Vice President. Mr. Joyner currently serves as a senior actuarial consultant to some of Segal’s largest governmental clients in the Southeast.

Mr. Joyner is the consulting actuary for many city and county government clients, including the City of Birmingham, Fort Worth Employees Retirement System, Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division, San Antonio Fire and Police Retirement System, Chattanooga Fire and Police, and Orlando Police Officers’ Retirement Plan. Since 2005, he has served as the consulting actuary for the Georgia Municipal Employees’ Benefit System as well, which covers employees in nearly 300 municipalities across the state of Georgia.

Education/Professional DesignationsMr. Joyner is a cum laude graduate of Washington and Lee University (Lexington, VA), where he earned a BS in Mathematics and Physics-Engineering. He has also completed graduate work in Actuarial Science at Georgia State University. Mr. Joyner is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries, a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries, a Fellow in the Conference of Consulting Actuaries and an Enrolled Actuary.

Published Work/SpeechesMr. Joyner has been a conference speaker on public sector funding issues for numerous organizations, including the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), The National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS), the Conference of Consulting Actuaries (CCA), and the Society of Actuaries (SOA). He has testified before legislative committees in Texas, Kentucky, and Georgia, and has published articles on Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) issues and plan design.

Jan McInnisJan McInnis has spent the past 18 years as a professional speaker, comedian and comedy writer. She was featured in the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post for her humor, and she has shared her humor keynotes with thousands of organizations in industries such as health care, human resource, technology/ telecommunications, management, real estate, sales, tourism, hospitality, educational and financial groups

Jan has also sold comedy material to everything from the Tonight Show Monologue to hundreds of radio stations, to greeting cards, syndicated cartoon strips, websites, CEO’s, and even guests on the Jerry Springer show (her

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parents are proud!). She is the author of “Finding The Funny Fast: How To Create Quick Humor To Connect With Clients, Coworkers And Crowds.”

Born in D.C., Jan was in charge of the “Joke of the Day” for her junior high school lunch table. Not surprisingly, she majored in communications at Virginia Tech, where she was a disk jockey for the local radio station. She now resides in Los Angeles.

Dianne McNabb Dianne McNabb joined PFM’s Atlanta office in 2008 as a Director in the municipal financial advisory practice and brings over 30 years of experience in government finance and accounting. She has provided professional services to many state and local governments throughout Georgia and South Carolina. She comes to PFM from a major regional investment banking firm where she provided financial advisory services to state and local governments for over 17 years. Prior to her financial advisory work, Ms. McNabb was a senior manager and government services specialist with KPMG, and provided public accounting services to state and local governments for over 15 years.

Dianne has represented several of her clients in the evaluation and negotiation of tax allocation district (TAD) financing.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Ms. McNabb holds memberships in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). As a former member of the GFOA Special Review Committee, she reviewed governmental comprehensive annual financial reports for the GFOA Certificate of Achievement Program.

Clint Mueller As the Legislative Director for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, Mr. Mueller plays an essential leadership role in serving as a liaison between counties and the state and directing the efforts and initiatives of the organization’s policy team. He is also responsible for conducting research on state and federal policy issues, and determining their impact on county government. As ACCG’s lobbyist to the Georgia General Assembly, Mr. Mueller works to ensure the passing of favorable legislation for counties.

An accomplished author on local government issues, he has authored ACCG’s Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST) guide, the Public Safety and Revenue Chapters of the County Commissioners Handbook, and a video on property taxes. He is also frequently quoted by the news media and has written several articles for the Georgia County Government magazine and other state trade publications, on a variety of subjects ranging from legislative issues to effective county management and is an instructor in ACCG’s Certified Commissioners Advanced Program. Before serving as ACCG’s Legislative Director, Mr. Mueller served as the organization’s Assistant Director of Financial & Management Services and Assistant Legislative Director, respectively.

Working closely with members of the General Assembly, Mr. Mueller has played an integral roll in passing several pieces of legislation that includes Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, legislation to improve sales tax compliance, Tax Allocation Districts, Forestland Protection Act, Brownfield Remediation, Cable Franchise Reform, Enhanced 911, Energy Excise Tax, Title Ad Valorem Tax, and other property tax reforms.

An active participant in several professional associations, Mr. Mueller is a member of the Georgia City/County Managers Association, Georgia Government Finance Officers Association, Georgia Association of Assessing Officials, Georgia Professional Lobbyist Association and a graduate of the Regional Leadership Institute and member of the Regional Atlanta Civic League.

In 1994, he attained his Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Justice Studies and a minor in Psychology and Sociology at Georgia Southern University. He went on to complete a Masters of Public Administration degree at the University of Georgia in 1997.

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Mr. Mueller resides in Cherokee County with his wife, and four children. He is an active community member, serving in his church, coaching little league baseball and President of the Oak Pointe Homeowners Association. In 2010, Mr. Mueller was named as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s annual ‘40 Under 40: Georgia’s Best and Brightest.’

Contact: Association County Commissioners of Georgia 50 Hurt Plaza Suite 1000 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404)522-5022 [email protected]

Chris PikeChris has over two decades of experience and is the current finance director for the City of Dunwoody, GA, instructor for the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, and a consultant for an international accounting and advisory firm. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Georgia. Chris is regularly sought out and scheduled for a variety of conference and training events as well as professional organizations and publications. He has been featured in the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Wall Street Journal.

Clay L. Pilgrim, CPA, CFE, CFFClay Pilgrim is an Audit Partner with Rushton & Company, LLC, a CPA firm located in Gainesville, Georgia. The firm’s audit practice specializes in auditing and consulting with local governments and authorities. A 2006 graduate of the University of North Georgia, Clay has helped manage the firm’s governmental section since 2006 and has 8+ years experience working with local governments. Clay has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Fraud Examination for the University of North Georgia since 2011.

Kenneth B. PollockKenneth B. Pollock is a public finance attorney with over two decades of experience in public finance transactions. Mr. Pollock regularly serves as bond counsel, as disclosure counsel, and as counsel to underwriters, issuers, borrowers, trustees, banks, and credit enhancers in tax-exempt and taxable financings for governmental and private entities. Mr. Pollock has significant experience on virtually every financing structure used by state andlocal governments to finance governmental projects, including general obligation bonds and sales tax bonds for counties, municipalities, and school districts, revenue bonds for water, sewer, and storm water systems, airports, convention facilities, gas and electric utilities, and other governmental enterprises, guaranteed revenue bonds for the State of Georgia, tax anticipation notes, annual appropriation debt, and debt secured by intergovernmental contracts.

Mr. Pollock also has experience on numerous conduit financings benefiting integrated health care systems, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, charter schools, private schools, higher education, manufacturing facilities, and multifamily housing developments, as well as on economic development projects such as tax increment and tax allocation district financings and property tax abatement transactions.

In connection with these transactions, Mr. Pollock has participated in a variety of financing structures involving fixed rate and variable rate structures, public offerings and private placements, insured and letter of credit-backed bonds, auction rate securities, remarketings, interest rate conversions, and various derivative products, including interest rate swaps.

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Mr. Pollock has served as a speaker at the Institute for City and County Attorneys in Georgia and at annual conferences of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. During law school at the University of Georgia School of Law, Mr. Pollock served as Notes Editor of the Georgia Law Review.

Mr. Pollock is AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and has been recognized by Georgia Trend magazine as one of Georgia’s Legal Elite in the specialty of Public Finance/Bonds.

Craig PriceAs a speaker, author and podcaster, Craig has helped some of the most effective and diverse corporate leaders, from multibillion-dollar manufacturers to top universities, around the country find the path to success. His honest and realistic approach allows them to understand how to use negativity as a tool for change and productivity.

Craig realized for true long-term motivation and production, one must look at the current tools every person possesses and utilize them. This was the driving force behind his latest book “Half a Glass: The Realist’s Guide” which showcases his desire to bring “reality” based solutions to a variety of issues back into focus.

An award winning professional stand-up comedian, experienced actor and certified instructor, Craig has a background in customer service, information technology and safety. Craig uses his sharp wit, intelligence and straight talk to deliver entertaining, informative programs that allow people to believe in themselves under any circumstances.

Zachary T. Propes, MBA Zach has over five years of experience with a heavy concentration in the government audit area and non profit entities. He received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, majoring in accounting from North Georgia College and State University and a Master’s of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. Zach is actively involved in professional and civic organizations, including the Northeast Georgia Society of CPAs, the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association Annual Conference Committee, United Way of Hall County’s Young Leader Society, United Way of Hall County Financial Review Committee, Board Member – Junior Achievement of North Georgia, Committee Member – Medical Center Open Golf Tournament, the Gainesville Jaycees, and the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Foundation’s Trellis Society Committee. He is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Hall County. He currently serves as treasurer and council member for the Gainesville First United Methodist Church.

When not at the office he enjoys spending time with his wife Katie and their dog Ollie. He also enjoys watching University of Georgia football, playing golf, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Rebecca QuarlesMs. Quarles brings a dynamic financial background to Bingham, having worked in investment banking and asset management. Rebecca’s focus areas include School System issues, University issues, Municipal issues, and Retirement Community issues. Rebecca is an expert in spending exception reviews, sinking fund analysis, calculation of variable rate bond yields with swap and letter of credit securitization, as well as analysis of QSCB, BAB, RZEDB and QECB transactions.

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Rebecca is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University with a B.A. in Economics. A native of Boston, Rebecca enjoys living in Richmond, VA yet retains her passion for the Red Sox. Rebecca is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association for the states of Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Louisiana.

Markus Schwab Markus Schwab serves as Chief Financial Officer for the City of Griffin since joining in 2007. He has a Master of Professional Accountancy Degree and Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics, both from Barry University, Miami, Florida. Markus has fourteen years government experience and twelve years prior in corporate accounting. His service as Chief Financial Officer includes accounting, financial reporting, budgets, human resources and information technology. In his capacity as Chief Financial Officer, he has been instrumental in resolving and mitigating audit comments, preparing the City’s Popular Annual Financial Report (seven years and counting), and in moving the City forward fiscally by increasing focus on cash and reducing debt.

Markus is also a volunteer reviewer for the Government Finance Officers Association Award Programs serving on Budget Awards, CAFR and PAFR programs.

Jonathan SharpeJonathan came to DCA from the private business sector in 2006 with advanced skills in database design and management as well as project oversight experience. He is responsible for all data handling, publication and full administration of DCA’s local government annual reports and surveys, such as the Government Management Indicators Survey (“GOMI”), Local Government Finance Reports (“RLGF”), Hotel-Motel Tax Reports, Debt Issuances, Wage & Salary Survey, all Local Government Authority registrations and financial reports, and more. A native of Kentucky, but a current resident of Atlanta, he prefers to spend weekends in the North Georgia Mountains whenever possible.

Judy W. SmithJudy W. Smith has been the Finance Director for the Jackson County Water & Sewerage Authority since April 2006. Before that, she was the City Clerk for the City of Carl in Barrow County from 1996 to 2001 when she moved back to her native county of Gwinnett. Ms. Smith worked as a realtor in Gwinnett County and co-owned a custom homes building company from 2000 to 2006 before moving to Jackson County in 2005. Judy has been the recipient of the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement through the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program offered by the GFOA of the United States and Canada for the last seven years. Ms. Smith holds a B.S. in Accounting from Strayer University in Washington, D.C. where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and has earned Level I and II Certification as a Local Government Finance Officer from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Judy is a member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, The Alpha Chi, and the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor societies. Ms. Smith is a member of the Leadership Jackson class of 2014.

Cheryl Thomas StricklandCheryl Thomas Strickland is Director, Public Finance for Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. where she works with public clients, developers and issuers of bonds to facilitate a broad range of municipal banking needs including underwriting bonds for redevelopment and public infrastructure projects. Cheryl joined Stifel in 2012 after 8 ½ years with Invest Atlanta where she formerly led redevelopment finance activities in the city’s tax allocation districts, spurring projects in a number of targeted areas including downtown Atlanta, along the Atlanta BeltLine and at Atlantic Station.

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Previously, Cheryl served for several years as institutional lender, underwriter and portfolio manager in Prudential’s commercial real estate finance group. Cheryl holds a B.S. from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Chicago and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Cheryl is a board member of the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), Immediate Past-President of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Atlanta and a member of Urban Land Institute’s national Urban Development/Mixed Use Council and its Atlanta Livable Communities Council.

Kevin Webb, CFA Kevin Webb joined Cantor Fitzgerald in 2009. He has been a guest lecturer and speaker at fixed incomeworkshops and conferences across the country. He holds dual degrees in Computer Science and Finance, anMBA, and the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Mr. Webb is an active member in the Houston Societyof Financial Analysts, the CFA Institute, and Global Association of Risk Professionals.

Amanda M. WilksonAmanda joined BatesCarter in 2013 after graduating summa cum laude from the University of North Georgia (UNG). While a student, Amanda served as President of UNG’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter and interned with the UNG Foundation. She is now primarily working with the governmental services BatesCarter offers and actively pursuing her CPA certification.

Michael WolfMichael Wolf is an economist with Wells Fargo Securities, covering both U.S. and regional economies. Based in Charlotte, N.C., he writes indicator reports, special commentary, and contributes to the company’s Weekly Economic & Financial Commentary.

Prior to joining Wells Fargo in 2013, Michael worked as a regional and international economist at Moody’s Analytics. Additionally, he measured trends in compensation as an economist for the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Michael has a master’s degree in international economic policy and statistics from Columbia University and Baruch College, respectively. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Maryland.

He is a member of the National Association of Business Economics and Charlotte Economics Club.

Documents

29th Annual Conference - Carl Vinson Institute of … ANNUAL CONFERENCE Dear Fellow GGFOA Members and Friends: The 29th Annual Conference is just around the corner. This year we will