The Fiscal Forum Newsletter is your monthly roundup of FGFOA news, events, and resources. Published on the first Monday of each month at 2:00 PM, the newsletter offers regular updates and highlights that help you stay connected to what’s happening across the organization.
Click Image Below to Hear a Message from Your FGFOA President
Spotlight on Leadership
Allison Teslia
FGFOA Board Director
Director of the Office of Management and Budget for the City of Gainesville
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Reminder! Government Finance Professionals Week
Mark your calendars for March 16–20, 2026, and get ready to shine a spotlight on the dedicated professionals who keep our local governments running strong. Government Finance Professionals Week is the perfect opportunity for cities across Florida to recognize the expertise, integrity, and commitment of the teams who safeguard public resources and support community success.
This year, FGFOA is making participation easier than ever with a READY-TO-USE TOOLKIT packed with resources to help your city join the celebration:
- A sample proclamation to officially recognize the week
- A sample media release to share with your community
- Social media content and engagement ideas
- Fun games and team‑building activities to energize your staff
Show your appreciation, boost team morale, and highlight the essential role of government finance in building strong, thriving communities.
We also want to celebrate YOU!
Local governments are encouraged to share their adopted proclamations, photos, and highlights from any activities held during the week. Your participation helps showcase the incredible work happening across Florida and inspires others to join in the celebration. FGFOA may feature selected submissions in future newsletters and on social media. To submit yours today, CLICK HERE
Let’s honor the professionals behind the numbers who keep our cities moving forward!
Committee Corner
Spotlight on Banking & Treasury:
Key Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss at this Year’s Annual Conference
This year’s Annual Conference places a strong emphasis on the rapidly evolving world of banking and treasury management—an area that continues to shape how public entities safeguard funds, streamline operations, and plan for long‑term financial stability. With new technologies, shifting market conditions, and increasing expectations for transparency and efficiency, staying informed has never been more important.
Attendees will have the opportunity to dive into several high‑impact sessions designed to strengthen financial strategy, enhance operational resilience, and support smarter decision‑making across government finance functions
Featured Banking & Treasury Sessions
- Treasury Innovations in the Public Sector: Real-World Successes
- Let’s Bond over Bonds, Notes, and Beyond: Financing Capital Projects
- The One Big Beautiful Bill: What it means for Governments
2026 Annual Conference
June 13-17, 2026
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
Events and Deadlines
Annual Conference Registration Opening Soon!
Registration for the FGFOA Annual Conference will open the week of March 16, 2026. This is an event you won’t want to miss. From high‑quality educational sessions to valuable networking opportunities, the Annual Conference offers something for every finance professional.
This year’s conference will be held at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, from June 13–17, 2026.
We are also excited to welcome two outstanding keynote speakers:
- Hoan Do, award‑winning international keynote speaker, author, and finalist on American Ninja Warrior
- Nicole Gasparri, FGFOA President, speaker, author, and respected leader within our organization
Mark your calendar and stay tuned for registration details!
Webinar Registration
Looking for Additional Ethics CPE Opportunities?
The Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) is offering “FICPA Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of the Florida CPAs,” created with the DBPR and approved by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Sessions are available online, in-person, and on-site (live or virtually).
Leadership Class Spotlight
On behalf of the FGFOA Board of Directors, we extend our Congratulations to those selected to participate in this year’s FGFOA Leadership Class. This week‑long, immersive program is designed to inspire, educate, and empower participants as they develop the skills needed to become the future leaders of our organization.
- Shannon Andreini – City of Daytona Beach Shores
- Richard Barcomb – City of Sarasota
- Susan Boyd – City of Gainesville
- Christine Brill – Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
- Precious Corrado – Collier Clerk of the Circuit Courts
- Danette Feliciano – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
- Victor Ramos Herrera – Orange County Board of County Commissioners
- Ebony Hush – City of Miami Gardens
- Nekeva Johnson – Hillsborough County Affordable Housing
- Eduardo Lopez – Town of Lake Clarke Shores
- Melissa Maguire – Village of Royal Palm Beach
- Wayne Meyer – State of Florida, Justice Administrative Commission
- Eshme Potts – City of Boca Raton
- Kathryn Raia – Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County
- Ashley Raines – City of St. Augustine
- Kendall Siemiatkoski – St. Johns River Water Management District
- Nadine Stephens – Broward County
- Judy Westerfield-Morris – City of St. Augustine
- Vanessa Williams – City of Tallahassee
- Jennifer Wion – Sarasota Clerk of Circuit Courts & County Comptroller
Member Spotlight – Marcia Mack
Marcia Mack serves as the Accounting Manager for Broward County’s Water and Wastewater Services Division, bringing more than 21 years of governmental financial experience and over 12 years of dedicated public service in local government. In her role, Marcia oversees a team of accounting professionals within the finance department, where she is known not only for her technical expertise, but for a leadership style rooted in trust, encouragement, and genuine care for people.
Often described by her team as the heart of the department, Marcia sets the tone each day by greeting her staff every morning and maintaining an open‑door policy—no matter how big or small the concern. She is a steadfast advocate for professional growth and consistently encourages her team members to pursue development opportunities, including FGFOA conferences and local seminars. One staff member shared, “When I started in her department, Marcia believed in me more than I did. She encouraged me to pursue a higher position—not once, but twice. My knowledge, skills, and opportunities would have been limited without her.” Marcia’s commitment to mentoring and empowering others exemplifies the very values of FGFOA and highlights the powerful impact strong leadership can have within public finance.
Member Spotlight Nominations
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? A mentor, colleague, or chapter leader who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for the FGFOA Member Spotlight! It only takes a few minutes, and your nomination could help highlight the inspiring work of a fellow member.
CLICK HERE to submit a nomination.
Are You A CPA in Need of Ethics Credits??
FGFOA has you covered!!
FGFOA will be hosting a Virtual Ethics Session on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 1:00pm. This session is specifically designed for Florida CPAs working in the public sector and will address ethical challenges commonly faced by governmental finance professionals. Through informative discussion, this course will cover topics including professional standards, ethical conduct, and independence.
This course satisfies the ethics requirements for both CPA licensure and CGFO certification.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Registration fee: $90.00
Don’t miss this convenient opportunity to earn your required Ethics credits from FGFOA!
FGFOA Beginner Bootcamp
Save the Date: FGFOA Beginner Boot Camp!
FGFOA is excited to announce our upcoming Beginner Boot Camp, taking place in Orlando this April. This intensive, hands-on training is designed to help participants build confidence, strengthen foundational knowledge, and gain practical tools they can immediately apply in their roles.
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton, International Drive Convention Center
Dates:
April 13 & 14, 2026
April 16 & 17, 2026
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! now and will close on Friday, March 6, 2026
Registration fee: $550.00
Virtual Learning Opportunities
Upcoming FGFOA Webinars – Mark Your Calendars!
Stay current and connected with FGFOA’s lineup of professional development webinars! Each session is designed to provide practical insights, timely updates, and tools you can apply directly in your daily work. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your technical knowledge or expand your leadership skills, there’s a webinar for you.
- March 19, 2026 – RPA/Machine Learning
- April 9, 2026 – Fraud/Data Analytics
- April 23, 2026 – Arbitrage
- May 21, 2026 – Privacy Protection Online
Visit the FGFOA Webinar page and click “Register Now” or log in to your member portal and go to the “Events” tab.
Don’t miss these valuable learning opportunities!
Looking for Additional Ethics CPE Opportunities?
The Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) is offering “FICPA Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of the Florida CPAs,” created with the DBPR and approved by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Sessions are available online, in-person, and on-site (live or virtually).
Local Chapter News
FGFOA’s local chapters are the heartbeat of our organization, offering members valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow within their own communities. These events range from professional development sessions and technical trainings to networking socials and community outreach initiatives.
Attending your local chapter events is a great way to stay engaged, expand your professional network, and share ideas with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities of government finance. Be sure to check your Local Chapter Calendar for upcoming local chapter events and opportunities to engage with your peers.
Networking with a Twist: South Florida Chapter’s Winter Whodunit!!
On January 30, 2026, the South Florida Chapter of FGFOA turned up the excitement with our Winter Networking Event! Over 65 members and guests came together for an evening that was anything but ordinary. Picture this: a masquerade murder mystery theme, festive masks, and a room buzzing with energy as teams worked to crack the case.
For three hours, laughter echoed, clues were uncovered, and friendships were forged. It wasn’t just about solving the mystery; it was about connecting, collaborating, and having a blast while doing it. This unique experience blended professional networking with pure entertainment, proving that learning and relationship-building can be fun and memorable.
vents like these remind us why our chapter is so special: we create opportunities to grow professionally while enjoying each other’s company in creative, engaging ways. If you missed this one, don’t worry, there are more events ahead. Remember to check our chapter’s page on the FGFOA website for upcoming events, like our Investment Seminar being held in Plantation, FL on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Monthly Events Preview
Stay up to date with what’s happening across FGFOA! The Upcoming Webinar Schedule can be found on our website.
How do I register for FGFOA Events?
- Log into your FGFOA member portal
- Go all the way to the very top. You’ll see the “event” tab. (Don’t hover over it, just click on it.) That will open up all of the events that are open for registration.
- Click on the hyperlink of the event you want to attend.