My Work Experience

My professional journey began as an auditor when there was still the Big 8 and GASB Statement numbers were in the 20s. I valued my time auditing a variety of clients, but my later years were focused on government and nonprofit agencies. Once I settled into this space, I knew I had found my purpose. To witness what these agencies were about gave me pride in the work I did.

This led me to my water agency where I experienced tremendous growth both for my agency and myself. I transitioned from auditing and accounting being my sole focus to adding other areas of responsibilities. These new job duties broadened my knowledge about agency operations, and my curiosity garnered more oversight of both financial and nonfinancial matters. I valued this time, for it gave me an appreciation of the role each person serves in a public agency. Often during budget discussions, I had the opportunity to advocate for their programs and activities and share out their vision through numbers.

After over 28 years with my agency, I retired in June of 2023. An opportunity to support a new agency was presented and I quickly realized I had more to learn. I found that learning about a new community, navigating through their challenges, and walking with them on their journey is energizing. I even discovered that I need to relearn foundational governmental accounting, having spent most of my prior time in enterprise accounting.

My association journey began nearly 20 years ago when I came across a CSMFO standing committee meeting at conference. It started with a simple statement, "would you like to join us." It was because of this ask that I joined the career development committee. Over the years my roles and experience expanded to other committees, eventually serving as President in 2018, and I continue to be active in CSMFO today.

My experiences at CSMFO led me to contributing to other organizations too. I served as the 2017 CMTA President and continue to support membership and conference planning. My GFOA experience began with serving on a standing committee. I loved this experience, as this is where I met thought leaders across the states and enjoyed the vetting process of best practices and hearing varying perspectives. The joy of making a difference led me to serve on GFOA's Executive Board from 2020-2023. This experience helped shape my views of the association long-term planning and the interconnections of making a difference to enhance the membership experience.

My WHY starts with my need to build my skill set.  In my new role at the water agency, I was now responsible for new areas and had little knowledge of public sector treasury, debt, or budgeting. The associations provided me the requisite tools to bring value to my agency. I gained confidence in my role and knew I wanted others to experience the same, and thus my association journey began to make trainings available to others.  

Over the years, my fellowship with like-minded individuals grew my professional network. I value knowing that each person is contributing to their agency and making a difference. Through direct connections or reading through LinkedIn posts, I love hearing the stories of awards and personal achievements. We are so fortunate to have a community that we can call upon when we need help or guidance, and CSMFO gives us a place to connect at the annual conference and through Knowledge Base and create personal connections to call upon when needed.    

Finally, my most impactful WHY is to make a difference. Associations are where I find my creativity. I am incredibly moved by the programming CSMFO has developed to connect people and seeing their lives positively changed because of what it can bring. I look forward to continuing these efforts through cross collaboration between committees and associations and showing why we are stronger together.  

I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

After a successful 28-year career, Margaret retired as the Executive Manager of Finance for West Basin Municipal Water District. An opportunity to support the Town of Discovery Bay CSD as their Finance Manager provides her the opportunity to help guide them through transformative. Margaret began her professional career at Coopers & Lybrand focusing primarily on governments and nonprofits. Margaret earned her B.A in Economics from U.C Santa Barbara. She maintains her license as a certified public accountant (CPA).   

In August 2024, Margaret was approved by the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) Board to serve as Interim Executive Director where she has overall strategic and operational responsibility for CSMFO programs and execution of its mission. Margaret served as the 2018 President for CSMFO and also served in a variety of volunteer capacities. Margaret has also been active with CMTA and GFOA.   In June 2022, Margaret joined California Class, a joint powers agency, as a Board of Trustee to serve a four-year term for this local government investment pool. In April 2024, Margaret joined the NIGP Certification Commission as a public stakeholder member.