Pre-Conference Sessions

Pre-Conference sessions are available for registration at an additional fee, or as a separate registration for those interested in only attending pre-conference session(s), through the registration portal.

 

Pre-Conference Session A | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Charting the Automation Trail:  Practical AI & RPA for Finance Teams

CPE Units: 6 (Technical)

Cost: $275 (members), $360 (non-members)

The future of finance isn’t just on the horizon—it’s in your hands.  In this engaging, hands-on pre-conference session, automation strategist Gail Gray and RPA expert Sam Lopez invite you to dig into practical ways AI and automation can transform your day-to-day operations.  Using approachable tools and simple techniques, you’ll learn:

• The basics of generative AI (and how to prompt like a pro)
• How to automate routine tasks with Microsoft tools
• Where to find quick wins in your agency’s processes

Whether you’re just getting started or looking for practical, low-barrier tools, this workshop will leave you equipped to modernize your work—no licenses, coding, or prior experience required.  Be sure to bring your laptop to this hands-on interactive session!

Speakers:

Gail Gray is a finance and technology leader with over 20 years of experience helping governments modernize financial reporting and business processes.  She began her career as a governmental auditor before founding Gray CPA Consulting in 2001, where her team developed the GASB-compliant CaseWare template widely used for ACFR and Budget Book reporting.  In 2020, Gail merged Gray CPA with LSL CPAs and served as Technology Partner, leading automation and innovation initiatives for public sector clients.  After retiring from LSL in 2025, she co-founded GrayLopez Strategic Solutions with Sam Lopez to help organizations identify, prioritize, and implement high-impact automation and AI solutions.  A frequent conference speaker, Gail shares her expertise on digital transformation, RPA, and AI with finance and technology leaders nationwide.

Samuel Lopez is an automation engineer and solutions architect with over eight years of experience helping organizations modernize operations through RPA and AI.  He began his automation career in 2017 with a Chicago-based consulting firm that became one of the top ten UiPath partners worldwide, where he guided clients across industries through their automation journeys.  In 2021, Samuel founded Robotic Nation, an intelligent automation firm dedicated to building solutions designed by technical experts with strong process analysis skills.  His work has delivered millions in ROI by freeing teams from repetitive, manual tasks.  Recognizing the power of combining financial expertise with automation delivery, Samuel partnered with Gail Gray to form GrayLopez Strategic Solutions, bringing together public-sector finance leadership and hands-on automation to create measurable impact.

 

Pre-Conference Session B | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Public Procurement Essentials:  What’s in Your Toolbelt?

CPE Units: 6 (Technical)

Cost: $275 (members), $360 (non-members)

In today’s dynamic public procurement environment, professionals must be equipped with a robust set of tools to navigate increasingly complex challenges.  This seminar provides a comprehensive overview of procurement fundamentals and the essential resources necessary for success in the public sector.  Attendees will gain clarity on what procurement is, how public procurement differs from private sector procurement, and the vital role procurement professionals play in supporting their agency.

The session will cover key legal requirements, an overview of the solicitation process, and the practical application of foundational concepts.  Participants will also be introduced to essential procurement tools, including specification development, vendor sourcing, evaluation criteria, and post-award processes.  As technology continues to shape the field, we’ll explore the benefits of how artificial intelligence can enhance decision-making, improve compliance, and streamline procurement operations.  Whether you’re new to the field or seeking a refresher, this session will help you strengthen your procurement toolbelt with the skills, tools, and technologies to succeed.

Speaker:

With nearly three decades of experience in public procurement, Johnnie E. Terry, Jr., stands as a guiding force for professionals seeking to elevate their impact and expertise in the field.  From overseeing a $4.1 million budget to leading a high-performing team of 30 in a nationally recognized department, Johnnie’s career is a blueprint for strategic leadership, operational excellence, and transformative mentorship.  Throughout his tenure across Federal, State, and local government, Johnnie has shaped procurement programs that deliver critical services with efficiency, transparency, and purpose.  He has championed supplier diversity and small business inclusion, optimized surplus and records management systems, and implemented forward-thinking procurement strategies that have earned national recognition. 

A graduate with a Bachelor’s in Business Management, Johnnie served as the 2023-24 President of the California Association of Public Procurement Officers (CAPPO), where he advanced the organization’s mission to foster integrity, innovation, and continuous learning within the profession.  Under his leadership, CAPPO remained a catalyst for professional development, thought leadership, and policy evolution.  Johnnie lives by the belief that “working smarter, not harder” unlocks Procurement Windows of Opportunity that build momentum for tomorrow and beyond.

 

Pre-Conference Session C | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Getting to Yes:  Communicating Up, Down, and Across for Success

CPE Units: 6 (Non-Technical)

Cost: $275 (members), $360 (non-members)

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone in your professional sphere tackled issues, assignments, and projects the way you do?  Sadly, people are a tricky business!  We all have different communication styles, process information in different ways, and make decisions based on different criteria.  Being aware of how YOU approach these three things is critical, but so is understanding how the people around you find meaning in their work and are motivated to agree or disagree with certain courses of action.  Come join this fun and lively session as we look behind the curtain at what makes us tick! 

Using the results of an assessment tool you’ll complete prior to the conference, this full-day session will break down the strengths and challenges of four major communication and decision-making styles.  Armed with that knowledge, you’ll be better able to get what you need from the people around you (whether that’s your own team, your bosses, and/or your colleagues), and up your game at how to get what you need from them!

Speaker:

Marcella Marlowe has over 25 years of public sector municipal experience, specializing in leadership, organizational management, and people development.  The latter portion of her career includes City Manager for the cities of San Marino and Hidden Hills and Assistant City Manager for the City of San Gabriel, while the earlier half of her career focused on progressively responsible human resources roles with the cities of Calabasas, Duarte, and Phoenix.  She is currently the CEO of M2C, providing consulting, coaching, training, and keynote speaking services to local government agencies and individuals in a variety of management, leadership, and human resource related areas.

Marcella received all of her degrees from the University of Southern California:  a B.A. in Classical Greek Civilization, M.A. in Political Science, and Ph.D. in Political Science.  She holds a Senior Adjunct Professor appointment with the University of La Verne’s College of Law and Public Service, having also taught at Cal State Fullerton’s Department of Political Science and USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy.  She is the author of Jurisprudential Regimes:  The Supreme Court, Civil Rights, and the Life Cycle of Judicial Doctrine, published in 2011.

 

Pre-Conference Session D | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Public Speaking for Finance Professionals

CPE Units: 3 (Non-Technical)

Cost: $140 (members), $185 (non-members)

Your communication style and your core values are part of everything you do everyday; whether that’s your digital presence, public speaking, or even what it says about your own personal identity.  In this half-day foundational skills session, explore and reflect on your personal values and how they manifest themselves in everyday life.  Learn how to overcome your fear of public speaking (if you fear it) and how to speak more effectively in public.  Ultimately, learn to connect with your audience and be more confident in who you are.  This workshop breaks down into bite size and actionable chunks what to do.  The session is engaging with exercises that allow you to move around, interact with others, and do some self-reflection.  Learn, practice, master, and have fun!

Speaker:

Steve Yu currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the new UCLA South Bay campus.  He was formerly the CFO and Assistant Dean at the UCLA Law School.  He received both his Bachelor’s degree and MBA from UCLA.  He is the current president-elect of the UCLA Anderson Alumni Association.   Steve is a professional public speaker, and has presented to Navy Seals, doctors, and business leaders at places including UCLA, USC, Skechers, Disney, and multiple non-profits.  He MC’d a TEDxUCLA event and was featured in the Toastmasters Magazine.  Steve believes in three core principles of (1) always having a student mentality, (2) continual progress, and (3) paying it forward.

 

Pre-Conference Session E | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

From Theory to Practice – Internal Controls in Action:  A Live Demonstration Experience

CPE Units: 3 (Fraud)

Cost: $140 (members), $185 (non-members)

Step into the world of internal controls like never before!  This immersive workshop offers participants a chance to move beyond theory and witness firsthand how internal controls are diagnosed in real time.  Volunteer participants will take on the roles of local government employees to collaboratively identify risks, assess existing controls, and prioritize solutions for the crucial cash collections process.  With an engaging, hands-on approach led by an experienced facilitator, you’ll see the principles of effective risk management come alive.  Whether you’re new to internal controls or seeking to hone your expertise, this session promises practical insights, lively discussion, and actionable strategies you can take back to your organization.

Speaker:

Kevin Harper is the founder and managing partner of Kevin W. Harper CPA & Associates, a firm of experienced government finance professionals whose mission is “To help local governments improve internal administrative operations.”  Kevin led the California government auditing practice of Deloitte for many years.  He has conducted over 400 financial and performance audits for California local governments.  He has served as elected auditor, elected school board trustee, and on the California Board of Accountancy’s Peer Review Oversight Committee.  Kevin has served as interim Chief Financial Officer of the State Bar of California and East Bay Regional Park District.  He is a frequent writer and speaker on topics of local government accounting and finance. 

 

Pre-Conference Session F | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Digging Deeper:  Muni Bonds in Today’s Financial Landscape

CPE Units: 3 (Technical)

Cost: $140 (members), $185 (non-members)

Now that you’ve mastered foundational municipal debt topics, dig deeper into the criteria rating agencies evaluate in rating California Lease Revenue Bonds and Enterprise Revenue Bonds, which market factors and data most influence municipal bond yields and prices, and what strategies are used for pricing and selling municipal bonds in today’s volatile market.  This session will include a case study from the City of Goleta, which issued Lease Revenue Bonds and Local Transportation Sales Tax Revenue Bonds on the same day. 

Speakers:

Luke Rioux is the Finance Director and City Treasurer for the City of Goleta, located in Santa Barbara County.  He has over 15 years of experience in local government finance, including 10 years with Goleta.  Luke holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara.  He is a Certified California Municipal Treasurer (CCMT), and an active member of the California Municipal Treasurers Association (CMTA), the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO), and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).  In his current role, he oversees budget development and citywide financial operations, including treasury and investments, debt management, and internal controls.  He leads long-term fiscal strategy and policy development (reserves, investments, debt, user fee cost recovery) and advises the City Manager and City Council on long-range financial planning and capital financing options.

Wing-See Fox is a Managing Director of the Public Finance Group at Urban Futures, Inc. (UFI), who has over a decade of experience in the fields of municipal advising, public finance, and municipal securities.  She has worked on over $3 billion in municipal debt offerings for cities and special districts in California.  Prior to joining UFI, Wing-See was a Vice President at Raymond James Public Finance, and her investment banking experience also includes work in the Municipal Securities Group at UBS Investment Bank in New York.  Wing-See received an MBA from Columbia Business School, a Master’s of Social Work degree from Columbia University School of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Stanford University.  She is an active member of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) and the Northern California Chapters of Women in Public Finance (WIP) and Asian Americans in Public Finance (AAPF).

Cenisa Gutierrez is a Senior Analyst for the S&P Global Ratings Local Governments (LG) West team.  Based in San Francisco, she provides comprehensive credit rating analysis to perspective bond issuers operating in the western region of the United States, with a focus on California, Oregon, and Washington.  In recent years, as lead analyst for the Washington credit portfolio, she has authored commentaries on timeliness of audits for local governments in the state and S&P Global’s approach to information sufficiency.  Internally, as an Analytic Data Liaison, she has supported projects that continue S&P’s focus on information sufficiency and timeliness of audits for local governments in the western United States. 

Marcus Peters, Managing Director with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc., has worked in municipal bonds since 2010, beginning his career at the municipal bond desk at Franklin Templeton Investments managing the short-term cash needs of the municipal bond funds.  He later moved into the municipal research department where he spent four years making buy and sell recommendations as well as performing portfolio surveillance on the department’s $85 billion in municipal assets under management.  After receiving his MBA, Marcus joined National Public Finance Guarantee.  Acting as a municipal credit analyst and insurance underwriter, he was tasked with reviewing bond insurance applications for the western region.  Since joining Stifel, Marcus has sole managed more than 435 transactions.  He is an underwriter in the municipal securities group that has averaged over $18.2 billion long-term negotiated financings annually over the last three years.  He specializes in underwriting the firm’s California and national large issuer municipal bonds.  Marcus graduated from University of California, Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Economics.  He received a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Carnegie Mellon University. 

Chelsy Shipman is an associate director within S&P Global’s U.S. Public Finance Department and is part of the U.S. Municipal Water and Sewer Team.  Prior to joining S&P, Chelsy worked in Washington, D.C. where she assisted organizations facing a number of reputational, regulatory, and public affairs challenges.  Chelsy also worked with several global financial institutions, while based in London, to help convey their priorities regarding regulation, digital disruption, new market competition, as well as environmental, social, governance (ESG) to key stakeholders.  This work included helping investors consider the long-term and environmental impact of their portfolios.  Chelsy holds a Master of Public Policy in International Political Economy from King’s College London, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Texas.  She is also certified by the Municipal Bond Club of New York.