A Glance at CSMFO’s 2024 Cohort Program
Monday, August 19, 2024
CSMFO Cohort #6 launched its first meeting on June 13th, 2024, and will run its 90-minute monthly meetings through February 2025. The Cohort is made up of 39 participants, three leaders, and several advisors. This year’s large group represents agencies across multiple Chapters that hold a wide range of positions. The participants come from many different types of municipalities including large cities, small cities and special districts.
Monthly sessions will cover various topics with relevant guest speakers and breakout groups for participants. Breakout groups will be rotated throughout the course of the program. This will allow for all members to gain input from participants in various job titles and levels of experience.
Leaders encourage participants to complete small monthly tasks which will range from updating and inviting other cohort members via LinkedIn to expand their network, taking a strength finder’s exam, updating and sharing resumes, and completing a capstone project. During the first two sessions, the group has learned a little about one another, covered topics related to self-care, have been introduced to Front Porch by Terri Willoughby, and discussed a bit about CSMFO with a visit from one of our Board Members, Amber Johnson.
Cohort Members were asked why they chose to participate in this year’s Cohort. Here is what several of them had to say:
Jason Rosado, Finance Manager, City of Carlsbad
“I joined the program because I made a career change to local government. I have a lot of catching up to do, and I would like to network and learn more about the community. The program has been highly regarded by my peers and mentors in the community, so I'm thankful to have been able to join this cohort.”
Michael O'Brien Administrative Services Director, City of San Dimas
“I joined the Cohort because I want to become more involved in CSMFO. I have attended the conferences for over 10 years now, and I thought it was time I take on a role with the organization. Part of that is networking and getting to know other members and understanding the challenges they are facing.”
Stephanie (Stevie) Cuff, Sr Management Analyst, City of Moreno Valley
“My interest in the program was to continue my professional development through networking with others in my field, gaining cohort-based learning, and being an active participant in the exchange of ideas and insights.”
Matthew Adams, Accounting and Revenue Manager, City of Lompoc
“The reason I chose to be a part of Cohort 6 is primarily to continue to build my professional network while being able to learn from others who have done similar things in their organizations. I didn't have much work experience when I joined my current organization, only classroom work and learning. I know that being able to learn from others is invaluable in our careers as well as building a network to help others feel comfortable doing so.”
Raul Carrillo, Accountant, City of Fowler
“I chose to be part of Cohort #6 to get new ideas and insights from other people that are in the finance world and to build new connections that face similar day to day challenges that I do.”
Hogai Zalmai, Senior Accountant, Citrus Heights Water District
“I decided to be a part of the Cohort because it offers a unique opportunity to enhance my skills and collaborate with like-minded individuals. It is an invaluable experience to be with a group of people who have great ideas and insights in governmental accounting. I am eager to learn and make valuable connections that will support my long-term aspirations.”
Virginia Ortega, Finance Manager, City of La Quinta
“Joining the program offers an opportunity to learn and connect with so many incredibly smart people throughout the state to share ideas and best practices for overcoming the challenges we may encounter. I previously worked in local government, but was away for some time and this seemed like a great way to jump right back in. I look forward to being an active participant and stepping out from behind the desk.”
Anna Ramirez, Senior Account Clerk, City of Lincoln
“As a relatively young member of the public finance community whose background is primarily in debt issuance, I wanted to better understand the different challenges various types of municipalities face and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the wisdom of those who have more experience than me.”
Jennifer Stevenson, Principal Accountant, City of San Jose
“I’m excited to lead this year’s cohort as a way of giving back to my colleagues in CSFMO, I gained so much from participating in Cohort 5 last year and I want the program to continue to thrive. Given the diverse entities represented at CSMFO, it benefits us all to meet, share, and learn from each other’s challenges and successes. The cohort experience gives us important insights that all participants can take back to their entities, and a solid network of resources that we can reach out to when needed.”
Vanessa Ramirez, Accountant, City of Tracy “Cohort #5 was such a great experience that I am thankful to be one of the leaders and have such a great team of advisors. The Cohort has been a great way to get introduced to CSMFO and all it has to offer, all while getting to meet a great group of people from Cohorts past and present. My hope is for new and experienced members alike to continue to share, learn, and grow from one another while building a network that they can rely on for years to come!” For more information about the CSMFO Cohort Program, visit their webpage at https://csmfo.org/page/cohorts.
2024 Cohort Program Leaders
Elizabeth Garcia, CPA MBA Administrative Services Manager, Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District
Jennifer Stevenson, Principal Accountant, City of San Jose
Vanessa Ramirez, Accountant, City of Tracy
2024 Cohort Program Advisors
Amanda McGarr, Budget and Treasury Manager, City of Chico
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