Executive Director’s Message

Almost two years into a “new normal”, learning how to live, work and play amidst a global pandemic is becoming arguably NORMAL.

Last year at this time, we were looking forward to the rollout of the Covid19 vaccine and an eventual return to a “pre-pandemic normal” as visions of in-person workshops and conferences danced in our heads.

Fast forward one year and we find ourselves anxiously awaiting a third shot in the arm and dreaming longingly of a “post-pandemic normal” as we take a collective deep breath to ready ourselves for the next wave of the virus.

This past year, despite not being able to be in-person for any of our training and events, we saw increased participation and engagement in our programming. Registration in the Annual Conference remained strong, the Asset Retirement Obligations 4-Part Workshop Series more than surpassed the forecasted registrations, the Collectors’ Forum continued to reach new heights of attendance and this year included the biennial CPABC Local Government Accounting & Auditing Workshop— all contributing to the increase.

GFOABC is a strong community of members, sponsor partners and subject matter experts. It is the dedication, fellowship, and support of this community that is the strength of the association; without this community, what we accomplished this year—or any year for that matter—is simply not possible—THANK YOU!

While these are still very precarious times in terms of the pandemic, we find ourselves growing steadier in the face of each successive wave and decidedly more excited about the promise of a new year—FINGERS

CROSSED!

With that said, as we look out to the new year, leadership will be an overarching theme. The annual conference, NEXT LEVEL FINANCE: Leadership & Transformation, will explore key issues impacting local governments and the leadership role that finance plays in navigating the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and devasting climate events of the past year. How is local government finance transforming and leading process innovation, collaborating across departments and organizations, and supporting their teams in these times? We hope you will join us at the conference for these important conversations.

Leadership at all levels has never been more important. Over the past year, we have been developing a Leadership Competency Framework for local government finance professionals that outlines the competencies needed to demonstrate excellence in local government service delivery. This framework has been developed with input from local government members across BC, is aligned with GFOABC’s Vision, Mission and Values, and will underpin the development of a reimaged Strategic Financial Leadership Program. We look forward to sharing more information about this framework in the new year.

Lastly, on behalf of the membership, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Board of Directors and Committee Members for their ongoing commitment, leadership, and guidance in building a strong and sustainable association.

Best wishes to everyone for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!

Kala Harris, Excutive Director