NASHVILLE NOTES. By Karen B. Hale, MAOM, CGFM. Happy Chinese New Year!

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1 NASHVILLE NOTES February 2010 Volume 32, Number 6 UPCOMING EVENTS AGA CEC 3/1/10 Audio Conference 3/3/10 March Luncheon 3/4/10 CGFM Exam 1 Directed Study 3/12/10 NPT Membership Drive 3/16/10 CGFM Exam 1 Directed Study 3/19/10 AGA CEC 3/29/10 What s Inside President s Message 1 Luncheon Speaker 2 Pictures 3 Committee News 4 Article Why become a CGFM 8 SE Regional PDC Leadership Listing 9 11 President s Message By Karen B. Hale, MAOM, CGFM Happy Chinese New Year! The western world recently celebrated the New Year beginning January 1, but the eastern hemisphere goes by a lunar New Year that changes from year to year. This year, February 14, 2010 began the Year of the Tiger which is thought to be courageous, lucky and brave. This year is predicted to be a doubly lucky year since the New Year is the same day as Valentine s Day. It is the hope that this year will bring a close to the ongoing economic downfall we have been experiencing. A New Year is thought to bring about a fresh start and beginning anew. When I think about everything the chapter is doing, I can definitely sense a renewed excitement and momentum. Our committees are in full swing, and the chapter is buzzing with activity. The Education Committee has provided quality CPE opportunities by participating in five audio conferences and hosting a very successful Winter Seminar. To finish out the year, the committee has scheduled at least three more audio conferences. The Community Service Committee has been very busy providing opportunities to give back to the community with planned events such as Habitat for Humanity, Alex Green Pencil Project, Coats, Hats and Gloves Campaign, Nashville Rescue Mission, Second Harvest Food Bank and Li l Soldiers. Coming soon will be the Nashville Public Television membership drive and the Country Music Marathon. The CGFM Committee is offering classes and study sessions for the CGFM exams and getting ready for CGFM Month with proclamations and letters to officials. The Program Committee continues to bring great speakers and is planning a great social event for April. The Membership Committee has been busy working on incentives for sponsoring new members, and we have 18 new members so far this year! At the national and regional levels, AGA is working hard to provide quality training. The national office is offering educational opportunities ranging from audio conferences to AGA sponsored training. Other opportunities include various upcoming conferences such as the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. on February 18 19, 2010; Southeast Regional Professional Development Conference in Gatlinburg, TN on March 24 26, 2010 and the National Professional Development Conference in Orlando, Florida on July 11 14, I would encourage you to mark your calendars and attend at least one of these great training events, because it will certainly be an enriching experience. I hope to see you at an AGA event soon! Karen 1

2 March Luncheon Speaker Our speaker for the March 4 luncheon will be Dr. Brad Childs of Belmont University. Dr. Childs, an associate professor of accounting, will be speaking on International Accounting. In addition to holding a CPA, Dr. Childs is a licensed attorney and CFP. He earned his Ph. D. at Purdue University and his J.D. at Suffolk University in Massachusetts. Dr. Brad Childs His service to Belmont University includes establishing a chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary organization for financial information students. He also oversees the library budgets for the College of Business Administration. Finally, Dr. Childs received the College of Business Administration s Outstanding Scholarly Activity Award in Job Opportunities From the Editor February Chapter Luncheon From time to time departments forward job opportunities to the Website Committee which are posted for members convenience. If you are interested in new job offerings or know someone who is, go to this link and click on Career Opportunities for detailed information: w.htm While we greatly enjoy the various articles submitted from our membership, we are always seeking interesting news. If you have a great idea or burning topic, please submit your article to me at Corey.Tester@tn.gov no later than March 12 for the next edition of our newsletter. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks and start writing! Corey The February luncheon was held on February 4th at the City Club. To read the draft minutes from the Chapter Luncheon please visit the chapter website. Members will have an opportunity to approve the minutes at March Luncheon, March 4, Minutes _meetings.htm 2

3 February Chapter Luncheon Pictures Special FBI Agent Scott Augenbaum, speaker Nathan Abbott, Eugene Hampton and Karen B. Hale Scott Augenbaum, Britt Wood and Bob Cleland AGA Members Melvin Jones, Jr., Jennifer Lewis, Jim Wilson and Ann Collett Britt Wood 3

4 Committee News Membership News Renewal time is here!!!! On January 14, all AGA members should have received an electronic invoice from National. We encourage all members to use this quick and easy online renewal method. Renewal time means more incentives!!!! There are two incentives to renew by March 31, 2010: 1. For all members who renew on or before March 31, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $25 cash prizes. Who couldn t use the extra cash? 2. For all members who renew on or before March 31 AND earn a minimum of 30 points, will qualify for a $45 reimbursement. That is half of your dues amount!!! It s not too late to get involved and start earning those points! Points are accumulated from May 1, 2009 through April 30, How to Renew Online: Access the AGA website at Click on Members Login on the right top corner of the screen. Login using your membership ID number and password (your first initial followed by your last name no spaces), click on the gray billing button above your name. All you have to do is input your credit card information and hit Submit. The transaction will automatically process via our secure server and the renewal information will be automatically updated in AGA s in house membership system. While you are logged into the Members Only section, be sure to take a look at your contact information and make any updates as necessary (especially your e mail address). If you have difficulties with or have forgotten your password you may reset it online. Also, if you do not know your membership number, contact Jennifer Lewis or Ann Collett. On going Recruitment Campaign The second recruitment campaign will run from December 2009 April The member who has recruited the most new members from December through April will receive $100 cash!!! There will also be a drawing of all members that recruited at least one new member for a $50 cash prize. These prizes will be given away at the May awards luncheon just in time for summer vacation!!! The more new members you recruit, the better chance you have to win! The link to the on line application is: /joinnow.aspx. As a reminder, if you sponsor a new member, make sure he or she lists your membership number on the application. You will NOT receive credit if this information is not provided on the application. If you do not know your membership number, contact Ann Collett or Jennifer Lewis. Remember, AGA is about all fields of government accountability! Go beyond the accounting field and include fields, such as computer information systems, budget analyst, and auditors when thinking of potential guests. The hardest part is asking..most people will not turn down a FREE meal to attend a meeting! National s recruitment goal for our chapter is 38 new members, so get recruiting! Bring a Guest Incentive Beginning with the February luncheon and continuing through the March and April luncheon, the membership committee will sponsor a drawing among members who bring a guest to the monthly meeting. Member names will be entered into a drawing ONE time regardless of the amount of guests he or she brings. The winning name will receive a $10 gift card to TGI Friday s. February s luncheon winner: Ann Collett Congratulations! Please feel free to contact the membership committee with any questions: Jennifer Lewis (Jennifer.Lewis@tn.gov) Ann Collett (Ann.Collett@tn.gov) Terry Mason (Terry.Mason@tn.gov) Keevia Battle (Keevia.Battle@tn.gov) Welcome to the following new members: Ellen Dunkin sponsored by Shirley Henry Robert Elmore Mary Haley Dennis Haskins Sheryl Figg sponsored by Joe Holzmer Shannon Holt sponsored by Rusty Lacy Erin Ketelle All new members will be entered into a drawing for a cash prize at year end. Remember to tell your potential recruits about this! 4

5 Committee News Community Service News UPCOMING EVENTS FOR SPRING VITA February April 2010 We will be participating with the VITA program this year. Throughout the tax season, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program provides free income tax preparation to low income, elderly, disabled, and limited English speaking people. Volunteers focus mainly on filing status, wages, tips, social security, etc. If you would like to participate with VITA, please contact Tammy Thompson at Elephant Sanctuary March 1, 2009 through April 1, 2009 The Community Service Committee has chosen to participate in the Elephant Sanctuary Project. We are collecting monies to donate to the Elephant Sanctuary. Our donations will assist in feeding an elephant and in replacing equipment. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, founded in 1995, is the nation's largest natural habitat refuge developed specifically for endangered African and Asian elephants. It operates on 2,700 acres in Hohenwald, Tennessee 85 miles southwest of Nashville. For more information about the Elephant Sanctuary, you may also visit their website at uary.php We will be begin taking donations on March 1st and will end on April 1 st. You can make your donations at the March and April chapter meeting. You can also Suzanne.Sawyers@tn.gov or Julie.A.Rogers@tn.gov if you would like to make a donation. Please make checks payable to AGA. AGA will issue one check in April to the Elephant Sanctuary. Nashville Public Television (ch.8) Membership Drive Tuesday, March 16, 2010 AGA is sponsoring the Nashville Public Television membership drive. AGA's evening to work the phone bank will be Tuesday, March 16, 2010, from 5:00 until 10:00pm. AGA is looking for 12 volunteers that would like to participate in this service project. All you have to do is answer the phones during the breaks and read the questions as the computer screen prompts you. If you would like to participate, contact Julie Rogers at Julie.A.Rogers@tn.gov. Country Music City Marathon Saturday, April 24, 2010 AGA is participating in the Country Music City Marathon again this year. There are several opportunities for you to sign up to volunteer for this event. They are looking for volunteers for several shifts beginning Wednesday, April 21, 2010, through Saturday, April 24, Please contact Jennifer Garoutte if you are interested in participating at Jennifer.Garoutte@tn.gov. ON GOING PROJECTS Alex Green Pencil Project AGA is still collecting monetary donations for Alex Green Elementary School. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Tammy Fruscione at Tammy.Fruscione@tn.gov. Second Harvest Food Bank Don t forget to bring your nonperishable foods to the AGA monthly chapter luncheons. We are continuing to assist Second Harvest in its efforts to feed the hungry in middle Tennessee. Second Harvest is in need of canned vegetables, canned fruits, canned meats, canned/dried beans, rice, macaroni and cheese/pasta, and peanut butter. A drop box will be located at the remaining luncheons this program year. For more information contact Ray Register at Ray.T.Register@tn.gov. 5

6 Committee News Awards News NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS There are several scholarships being offered by national. The deadline for submission is March 31, The applications can be obtained from national's website at: LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS Local scholarship applications have been posted to the chapter's website. They are $1,500 each. The application deadline is April 09, LOCAL AWARD Our chapter is giving out an award for Outstanding Achievements in Government Accountability this year. The deadline to apply is April 9, For more information please visit: ev.htm NATIONAL AWARDS We are seeking nominations for AGA's National Awards which will be presented at the annual Professional Development Conference and Exposition. There are a number of awards listed on the national website at: Please take a moment to review the "purpose and overview" section of each award to see if any of your peers fit the criteria. If so, please consider taking the time to nominate them by completing the appropriate form and submitting it to Jeff Hughes or Rhonda Williams on or before March 19, If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the award committee co chairs at Jeff.Hughes@state.tn.us or Rhonda.D.Williams@tn.gov. Program Committee News NASHVILLE CHAPTER SPRING SOCIAL Our AGA Chapter's Spring Social has been set. We will be attending the Tennessee Repertory Theatre's production of Big River on Thursday, April 8 at 6:30pm at the Johnson Theater, Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC). Big River is an adaptation of Mark Twain's classic tale of Huckleberry Finn. While not specifically designed for children, TPAC reports that it does not contain any adult language or situations. Each member (up to 50 members total) may purchase one ticket for themselves and a second optional ticket for one guest at the greatly reduced price of $20 per seat. This low price is possible because of Chapter financial support and a group discount (dependent on a 10 person minimum seat purchase). Without the discounts and Chapter underwriting, the full cash price for these tickets is over $40. Your payment will serve as your reservation on a first come firstreserved basis. All payments must be received by 2pm on Thursday, March 4. Please make your reservation by mailing/dropping off a check to: AGA Nashville Chapter c/o Sandra Tulloss Comptroller of the Treasury, Division of State Audit (sunset performance) 505 Deaderick, Suite 1500 Nashville, Please make checks out to AGA Nashville Chapter. Additionally, if seats are still available, we will collect payments at the March 4 AGA Chapter luncheon. If demand outstrips supply, we will keep a waiting list in case somebody needs to cancel. Tickets will be available for pick up at the April 1 AGA luncheon meeting. Additional information about the production is available at the following websites: 1&ProductionID=314 Please any questions to Sandra at Sandra.Tulloss@tn.gov. 6

7 Committee News Other News Nashville Chapter Leadership Nominations The Nominating Committee has selected chapter leadership nominees for the year. The members of the Nominating Committee included Kathy Anderson, Tammy Fruscione, Rusty Lacy, Jennifer Lewis and Melvin Jones, Jr. Chapter leadership nominees are as follows: The 5 Two Year Directors are: Keevia Battle Hank Clay Cynthia Setters Corey Tester Rhonda Williams Chapter Officers are: Secretary Debra Bloomingburg Treasurer Scarlet Sneed President Melvin Jones, Jr. President elect Shirley Henry Each of the nominees has indicated his or her willingness to serve. The Chapter Executive Committee unanimously accepted these nominations at its February 2 meeting. The nominees were announced at the February 4 chapter luncheon. In accordance with the Chapter Bylaws, independent nominations for chapter officers and directors may be submitted to Melvin Jones, Jr., until March 15. A petition that contains at least 50 signatures of Nashville Chapter members and an indication of the candidate s willingness to serve if elected must accompany all independent nominations. In the event there are additional nominations, an election will follow. If there are no other nominations, the nominees listed above will be certified without ballot. 7

8 Why become a CGFM? Why should you achieve the distinction of being a Certified Government Financial Manager? Accounting and financial management are unique among professions because you can obtain a position and maintain an entire career without acquiring a professional certification. Government financial management is particularly prone toward this peculiar arrangement. Looking at the careers of the most successful practitioners of government financial management, one would note that most have achieved some type of professional certification. If certifications were not required, why would so many of the most successful practitioners obtain one? I think the answer is simple: they desire to be the best. Obtaining a professional certification shows the world that you are striving to achieve the highest level of professionalism and competence. This desire shines through in all their career endeavors. Certification is one way they clearly exhibit their worth to their peers and their employers. Public accounting has the CPA, the Institute of Management Accountants has the Certified Management Accountant, and the Institute of Internal Auditors has the CIA; but, what about government financial managers and their unique industry? The Association of Government Accountants developed the Certified Government Financial Manager to meet the unique needs of government finance professionals and their employers. Why be a CGFM? The answer is that you want to show that you have the Why become a CGFM By Ron Queen, CPA, CGFM Manager of Division of Local Finance Comptroller of the Treasury knowledge and skills to keep pace with today s constantly changing financial management environment. Standing out from one s peers by achieving the status of a CGFM holder should be a career boost when promotion time comes or when seeking a different position. Many public accounting firms practicing in the area of government accounting now require practitioners to hold the CGFM even over the CPA, requiring passage of the exam within two years of employment. The federal government shows preference to CGFM holders in promotion and hiring. Several states, including Tennessee, recognize the CGFM certification. Why do these organizations support the CGFM? They want to achieve better performance in government financial management. How does the CGFM exhibit the achievement of the highest level of professionalism and competence for government finance professionals? A CGFM candidate must successfully pass three examinations, possess two years of government finance experience, agree to adhere to the AGA Code of Ethics, and have a bachelor s or higher degree meeting certain requirements to achieve certification. Successfully passing the three exams to achieve the CGFM displays the wide range of knowledge and skills needed by government finance professionals to meet the unique challenges of state and local government finance or to succeed in the federal government financial environment. Above all, your achieving the CGFM indicates a commitment to professionalism and competence in the calling of government financial management. This commitment to possess current knowledge and skills to meet the challenge of the constantly changing financial management environment continues through a CGFM s completing at least 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every two years in government financial management topics or related technical subjects. During the first year of his/her CPE cycle, a CGFM must earn at least 20 hours of CPE. By close of the second year of the cycle, a CGFM must have earned at least 80 hours of CPE. The first CPE cycle starts on January 1 st of the year following earning the CGFM. CGFMs maintain documentation of their CPE to support that they maintain the standard of competence by staying current. Why should you achieve the distinction of being a Certified Government Financial Manager? If you desire to achieve the highest level in the profession of government financial management, you need the CGFM. If you wish to demonstrate your commitment and your competence to your employer and peers, you need the CGFM. If you want to set yourself apart, you need the CGFM. Make the commitment this year to achieve the CGFM. Please contact Ron Queen, CPA, CGFM (ron.queen@state.tn.us) or a member of the CGFM committee if you want to be a CGFM holder. 8

9 Wednesday Program Agenda March 24, :30 12:30 Registration 12:30 2:10 Investigating White Collar Crime 2:10 2:40 Break 2:40 4:30 Ethics 4:30 5:15 Break 5:15 7:30 Mystery Dinner Theater Speakers Investigating White Collar Crime presented by W. Grey Steed Mr. Steed, a Nashville native, graduated cum laude from Lambuth with a B.S. in accounting. Grey worked for a large CPA firm in Nashville as an auditor and then accepted an appointment with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent in the Chicago FBI office, specializing in financial crimes investigation, primarily bank frauds and wire frauds. He was transferred to the Knoxville FBI office and was assigned to the investigation of brothers Jake and C. H. Butcher on the failure of their 26 banks. He served on the SWAT team for 15 years, was a hostage negotiator for 12 years and specialized in White-Collar Crime Investigations. He has served as a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee including the Luis Rivas "Ponzi scheme" bankruptcy matter, involving over $30 million in fraudulent notes, as well as, Gatlinburg s Dennis Bolze Ponzi scheme investigation and others. Ethics presented by Dr. Mark Steadman Mark Steadman, CPA, CMA, is an Associate Professor of Accountancy at East Tennessee State University. He received a Ph.D. from the University of TN, a Masters in Accountancy from ETSU, and a B.S. in Finance from UT. Prior to returning to academia, he was a staff accountant for Main Hurdman, CPAs in Knoxville. Dr. Steadman served as Secretary and Vice-President of the TSCPA and is currently a member of the TSCPA Board of Directors. Thursday Program Agenda March 25, :00 8:00 Breakfast Buffet 8:00 9:40 Identity Theft 9:40-10:10 Break 10:40-11:50 OMB Accounting 11:50 1:30 Lunch (speaker TBA) 1:30 3:10 Favorite Frauds 3:10 3:30 Break 3:30 5:10 Occupational Fraud Speakers Identity Theft & Some of My Favorite Frauds presented by Dennis Dycus, CFE, CPA, CGFM Mr. Dycus, Director, Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury, Division of Municipal Audit, with the State of Tennessee, is responsible for the audit of all municipalities, utility districts, school activity and cafeteria funds, housing authorities, certain notfor-profit organizations and other quasi-governmental entities in the State of Tennessee. In addition, numerous audits for fraud, waste and abuse are conducted by division staff annually. See Accounting for OMB Requirements presented by Gail White, CPA Gail is an East Tennessee native! She graduated from Lenoir City High School and The University of Tennessee at Knoxville where she earned a B.S. with honors in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant and worked for Ernst & Young s Knoxville office for five years, specializing in audit and was Chief Financial Officer for a small hospital in Harriman for two years. In 1994 she became the Grant & Contract Manager, overseeing the financial administration, invoicing, and collection activities of sponsored projects. She now serves as Assistant Controller and concentrates on the UT system-wide business processes, compliance, and systems relating to sponsored projects administration and accounting. Friday Program Agenda March 26, :00 8:00 Breakfast Buffet 8:00 9:40 Internal Controls 9:40-10:10 Break 10:40-11:50 GASB 54 Speakers Occupational Fraud & Internal Control presented by Dr William (Billy) Morehead William A. (Billy) Morehead, Ph.D., CGFM, CPA, is AGA National President with a presidential theme of Think Big! Act Courageously! Make a Difference! Billy has 24 years of government financial management experience in the state of Mississippi. He has been at Delta State University (DSU) in Cleveland, MS since Fall 2000 and became the Chair of Accountancy, Computer Information Systems and Finance and Assistant Professor of Accountancy in Billy served DSU as Vice President for Finance and Administration & Interim Dean of the College of Business. Previously, Billy was with the Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) for 10 years as the CFO of two state hospital facilities. Before DMH, Billy worked with the MS Department of F&A and the MS State Auditor's Office. GASB 54 Fund Balance Reporting presented by G. Robert(Smitty) Smith, Jr., PhD, CPA Smitty received his Bachelor s from The University of Tennessee Martin, his Master of Accountancy degree from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. Prior to 1988, he served in the United States Army in both the USA and Europe. Smitty is an associate professor and chair in the Department of Accounting at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro and has written for numerous professional accounting publications. He is the Dempsey, Vantrease & Follis Professor. Smitty has participated in several task forces for the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. Registration Information Registration will be between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24. The seminar will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Registration Fees: $ by February 26 th $ after February 26 th The registration fee covers the Mystery Dinner Theater Wednesday evening, lunch Thursday, two breakfasts, and all seminar materials. Food will be prepared and served by the Edgewater Conference Center. REFUNDS of registration fees will not be made after March 19, For questions, contact Mike Blair at (865) or tmblair@tvaoig.gov Space is limited and will only be available to the first 200 applicants. Dress is casual (black and white attire is encouraged!) Parking is available at the Edgewater Hotel for hotel guests. For commuters, additional parking is nearby for a fee or limited parking may be available early at the hotel: Edgewater Hotel; 402 River Road; Gatlinburg, TN near Ripley s Aquarium. Rooms are $79 a night plus tax, if reserved by February 21 st, additional conference rate, if available. Make room reservations with Edgewater Hotel. PH (toll free) Continuing Professional Education Credits The conference will provide sixteen (16) hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for CGFM s & CPA's. The certificate will certify 14 hours in Accounting and 2 hours of General Ethics. ETAGA is Tennessee Exempt Organization # 007(c). The National Association of Government Accountants (AGA) is NASBA approved CPE provider. CPA s should consult their respective state board of accountancy for exact rules concerning the reporting requirements for continuing education.

10 Registration Form The Southeast Regional Professional Development Conference Sponsored By the East Tennessee Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants March 24-26, 2010 Name AGA Chapter Address Home/Business Phone Indicate any special dietary needs below: Indicate amount enclosed for the conference. Conference rate includes 16 CPE s one dinner, one lunch & two breakfasts: $350 by February 26 $395 after February 26 $30 late fee for late registration (required if post-marked after March 15, 2010) Make Check Payable to: East Tennessee Chapter of AGA Mail Complete Form and Payment to: Mike Blair Tennessee Valley Authority 400 W. Summit Hill ET 3C-K Knoxville, TN March with the Penguins Focus on Fraud Ripley s Aquarium of the Smokies opens its Penguin Playhouse this March! The playhouse is a permanent exhibit for African Black-footed Penguins that includes an acrylic crawl space for visitors to move within the penguin exhibit. With only about 150,000 African Black-footed Penguins left in the world, you will have an opportunity to help support an effort to propagate a nearly extinct species March with the Penguins to the PDC! Focus on Fraud FRAUD is not spelled out in Black and White like loveable penguins. Fraud hides and thrives To detect it you have to focus! March with the Penguins Focus on Fraud AGA Southeastern Regional Professional Development Conference March 24-26, 2010 Sponsored by The East Tennessee Chapter of The Association of Government Accountants March 24 th 12:30 p.m. Noon March 26 th The Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center 402 River Road Gatlinburg, Tennessee

11 Nashville Chapter Leadership Officers President Karen B. Hale, MAOM, CGFM (615) President-elect Melvin Jones, Jr., CGFM (615) Immediate Past President Kathy Anderson, CGFM, CPA (615) Secretary Shirley Henry, CGFM, CPA (615) Treasurer Hellens Tamimi, CPA, CFE (615) One-year Directors Patricia Finney Finance Chair (615) Rusty Lacy Education Chair (615) Jennifer Lewis, CGFM, CFE Membership Co-Chair (615) Tommie Pendergrass Meetings and Attendance Chair (615) Julie Rogers Community Service Co-Chair (615) Two-year Directors Ralph Cross, CGFM (615) Eugene Hampton, CPA, CGFM (615) Jane Lacy, CGFM (615) Mel Marcella, CPA, CIA, CFE (615) Sandra Tulloss Program Co-Chair (615) Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs Nathan Abbott, CISA, CFE Webmaster Co-Chair (615) Sharon Barnard, CPA Meetings and Attendance Co-Chair (615) Gerry Boaz, CPA, CGFM Corporate Sponsorship Chair (615) Ann Collett, CPA, CGFM Membership Co-Chair (615) Nichole Curtiss, MBA, CFE, CGFM Program Co-Chair (615) Karen B. Hale, MAOM, CGFM Public Relations Chair (615) Jeffrey Hughes, MBA Early Careers Chair Awards Co-Chair (615) Ron Queen, MA, CGFM, CPA CGFM Chair (615) Corey Tester Newsletter Editor (615) Rhonda Williams Awards Co-Chair (615) Dan Willis, CPA, CISA, CGFM Webmaster Co-Chair (615) Visit the Nashville Chapter website at: 9