As Communications Committee Chair and a fellow Jennifer, I was excited to do this interview and highlight one of the many Jennifers making a difference at CSMFO. So, let’s learn a little bit more about our CSMFO President-Elect!
Jenn, how did you get started with your career in public finance, and what do you like best about this profession?
I began my career in public finance when I came home from college one summer and my mom, the Town Clerk for my hometown, shared that the Finance department’s two positions were vacant, and the Town Manager was looking for help with running the audit. Having served as the Finance Manager previously, the Town Manager provided some background training, and I jumped right in.
I love how collaborative this profession is; oftentimes the best advice and support can come from the colleague sitting next to you at the chapter meeting.
Tell us about your journey with CSMFO. What made you get involved? What Committees/Chapters did you serve on? Do you have a favorite?
My colleagues made me do it! In all seriousness though, people I respect asked me to get more involved and if help is needed, I feel compelled to step in. It started with being Vice Chair of the East Bay Chapter in 2013 and doing meeting logistics because I was too nervous to talk in front of people. Then I served on the Host Committee for the 2013 Annual Conference in Oakland and was the East Bay Chapter Chair in 2015-2016. From there, I served on the CSMFO Board of Directors from 2017 through 2019. That was a really exciting time because in 2018, then-President Margaret Moggia tasked me with evaluating what student engagement could look like for our organization. Our working group developed a statewide approach to student engagement that has been shared as a model for other states. The Student Engagement Committee was formed to continue these efforts and I served as the Chair from its inception through 2020. Another exciting role was that of Membership Benefits Committee Chair (2020–2022). That committee founded the cohort groups and re-established the mentorship program; a real passion for service came through in that group during the pandemic. The relationships that I have made in these roles have been gifts with continuous benefits as friendships become richer and richer.
Jennifer Wakeman (4th from left) and fellow CSMFO leaders and friends at the 2020 CSMFO Conference
Is there a Past President or Board Member that inspires you?
There are too many!!! Any and all Past Presidents or Board Members who have seen the potential in me or other members of our organization/profession and invited them to challenge their potential - those are the people who inspire me. Not only do they encourage me to continue to grow myself, but also to find others to raise up and to recognize those who got me here.
What are you most looking forward to about being CSMFO President?
It is an honor to have the trust of this organization to lead, but it is also a huge responsibility. While there is an incredible support system behind me, this is not my comfort zone. In this role, I am practicing what I preach, which is that you don’t need to be a Director, City Manager, etc., to lead. Leadership, I believe, is driven by compassion and hard work, not by titles, which is why there is no limit to who can step into a larger role. By being CSMFO President, I am most looking forward to modeling this for myself and others.
What do your kids think about you being the President?
My 14- and 12-year-old sons are pretty nonchalant about it, but last year heading down to the conference at Disneyland, my then-6-year-old told the man next to us at the gate, “Did you know that my mom is second president?” At least I have impressed someone.
In all seriousness though, I hope to have them visit the San Jose conference at some point so that they can see the results of my hard work. They know this organization is a big part of what I do, and I want them to know that through hard work and good relationships, they have the opportunity to support others and have fun at the same time!
This year’s CSMFO Leadership Team includes a lot of Jennifers! What is it that makes us so special? Are there any Jennifers in CSMFO that you’d like to give a shout out to?
We joke in leadership that it is the “Year of the Jennifers,” as so many have come onto the leadership team this year. In my opinion, what makes us so special is that we all came together through cohorts! Jennifer Becker was in Cohort 1, and Jennifer Fillinger and Jennifer Ustation were in Cohort 2. Through this program and their individual tenacity, these Jennifers are now Chair of the Communications Committee, Vice Chair of the Career Development Committee, and Chair of the Membership Benefits Committee, respectively. How can you not love that??
On that note, who’s your favorite celebrity Jennifer?
If I had to pick, I would say Jennifer Garner because she can run the gamut from Elektra to grounded farmer. I also appreciate someone who is so human, does DIY cooking shows, and can laugh at themselves.
Excellent choice! When you’re not running your City or serving as CSMFO President-Elect, what do you like to do in your free time? Do you even have any free time these days?
What’s free time again? That’s not how I work; I have activities for my “free time” so there never is any. I have three sons who are currently 14, 12, and 7, which has me spanning three schools this year. I participate in two book clubs, regularly donate blood, do crafts, love to travel, enjoy walks, etc. Honestly, I love a life filled to the brim with activity and energy, so any free time is filled time.
Speaking of free time, did you have a chance to take any good summer vacations before the busy fall season begins?
YES! I took my three sons to Tokyo for two weeks, and it was incredible. None of us had been before nor knew Japanese, so all of it was new. We got to explore and try new food. We learned the difference between a vacation and a trip, planning a day versus showing up for a planned day with a good attitude, and that we can work through the unknown and uncomfortable. Most importantly we created so many memories that will last forever. If anyone wants travel tips or places to visit in Tokyo and Kyoto, feel free to reach out.
Jennifer and her three sons exploring Tokyo, Japan
That sounds amazing! Ok Jenn, give us your sales pitch for the 2025 San Jose conference. What would you like people to know?
At the 2025 San Jose conference, our focus is on what CSMFO does best for its members: educate, connect, and empower. Whether you are just starting your municipal finance career or are well established, you will find educational and network opportunities that will support your professional growth. All of your best resources will be available in one place - don’t miss this great event!
What would you say about CSMFO to someone new to the public finance profession?
When I was new to this field, I learned a lot from the work of my predecessors and filled in what I could with outside trainings. I attended many webinars and classes that were full of details and rules, but short on practical instruction and perspective. CSMFO is where all of the necessary resources come together for advancing your municipal finance career. CSMFO’s educational approach of combining instructors with practitioners are second to none in giving you the information, insights, and confidence to move forward with whatever you are facing.
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