CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Agenda: Wednesday
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
7:30 a.m. | Golf | Starr Pass Golf Club
Golf is organized separately by Brian Wright of Eloy, if you are interested in participating, please email Brian at bwright@EloyAZ.gov or call 520-251-0028.
Special thanks to our golf sponsors
8:30 a.m. | Registration Open | Arizona Ballroom Foyer
9:00 – 11:30 a.m. | ERP Systems and Lessons Learned (Roundtable Discussion) | Arizona Ballroom
2.5 CPEs
Macy and Amy will lead discussions on ERP systems and implementation, discuss GFOA best practices regarding software and processes, and learn from each other's open roundtable discussions.
Facilitators:
Macy Walker, Budget and Program Manager, El Mirage
Amy Lindsay, Assistant Director of the Budget and Finance Department, Glendale
Macy Walker – Bio
Macy Walker is the Budget Manager for the City of El Mirage and has worked there for nearly five years. She also oversees their Capital Improvement Plan, Strategic Plan, and Performance Measures. She received her Master's in Business Administration while working at the University of Arizona in their Financial Services Office.
Amy Lindsay – Bio
Amy Lindsay is the Assistant Director of the Budget and Finance Department for the City of Glendale. She has held various roles in municipal government in the valley since 2007, including roles in the City of Goodyear and the City of Glendale. Amy is a graduate of Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, where she graduated with a degree in Social Sciences, minoring in Business Administration.
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Break/Lunch on Your Own
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Education Committee Meeting | San Ignacio
1:00 – 1:50 p.m. | Pain Points – Press, Council, PIR | Arizona Ballroom
1 CPE
This session will delve into the art of working with the council/board and the media—offering practical tools you can apply in your organization, all grounded in real-world experiences and stories.
Speaker:
Mike Letcher, ACMA Senior Advisor
Mike Letcher – Bio
Mike Letcher has over 30 years in city management with 20 years here in Arizona, he is very familiar with the challenges and opportunities for our profession nationally as well as in Arizona. Mike’s background consists of management consulting and serving as an assistant professor at the University of Arizona Masters of Public Administration Program, both which require him to stay current on trends in our profession.
Documents:
Pain Points – Press, Council, PIR Presentation
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Refreshment Break & Sponsor Networking | Arizona Ballroom Foyer
2:30 – 4:20 p.m. | Keynote: Choices and Consequences | Arizona Ballroom
2 CPEs
This powerful keynote exposes the real-life impact of ethical complacency, indecision, and misplaced trust. Through Jerome’s gripping personal story, audiences will uncover where their own vulnerabilities lie—and gain the confidence and tools to make the right call when it matters most.
Keynote Speaker:
Jerome Mayne, Founder/CEO, Fraudcon and Mayne Speakers Inc.
Jerome Mayne – Bio
Jerome Mayne speaks internationally for associations and Fortune 500 companies on the topics of fraud and ethics. Since 2001, he has helped business professionals make inspired ethical decisions in impossible situations. He’s been a columnist for numerous industry trade publications and is the author of the book, Diary of a White Collar Criminal.
4:40 – 5:30 p.m. | Membership Committee Meeting | San Pedro 1
4:40 – 5:30 p.m. | Region Leaders Meeting | San Pedro 2
5:30 – 5:45 p.m. | New Member Meet & Greet | Arizona Ballroom Foyer
5:30 – 6:45 p.m. | Reception | Arizona Ballroom Foyer
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Agenda: Thursday
Thursday, August 7, 2025
7:30 – 8:15 a.m. | Breakfast | Arizona Ballroom Foyer
8:30 – 9:20 a.m. | Keynote: Survive Life and Laugh Yourself to Death | Arizona Ballroom
1 CPE
In this candid and unexpectedly humorous keynote, Jerome shares how he faced cancer, prison, and open-heart surgery—and still found reasons to laugh. Audiences will walk away reminded that life’s toughest moments can be met with resilience, perspective, and a good sense of humor.
Keynote Speaker:
Jerome Mayne, Founder/CEO, Fraudcon and Mayne Speakers Inc.
Jerome Mayne – Bio
Jerome Mayne speaks internationally for associations and Fortune 500 companies on the topics of fraud and ethics. Since 2001, he has helped business professionals make inspired ethical decisions in impossible situations. He’s been a columnist for numerous industry trade publications and is the author of the book, Diary of a White Collar Criminal.
9:30 – 11:20 a.m. | Succession Planning for Continuity and Creating a Culture of Development | Arizona Ballroom
2 CPEs
In the rapidly evolving local government landscape, ensuring continuity in key roles and fostering a culture of development are more critical than ever. Join us for an interactive session that delves into the strategic and practical aspects of succession planning tailored specifically for local government leaders. This session is designed to equip you with the information, tools, insights, and action steps necessary to create a robust pipeline of future leaders and cultivate an environment where continuous development is a core value.
Speaker:
Leah Davis, CPA, Partner, ABDO
Leah Davis – Bio
Leah Davis joined Abdo in 2016 and now leads the Firm's HR and Payroll Advisory practice. She spends her time helping employers find creative ways to capture opportunities and overcome their most pressing HR and payroll challenges. As an active CPA and after owning and operating an outsourced HR and payroll consulting business for nearly a decade, Leah has worked with employers across all industries but spends most of her time working with local governments. She also has several years of experience in public accounting, focusing on business tax and financial institutions. This variety of experiences equip Leah with a unique perspective on the complex HR, payroll, financial, regulatory, and strategic planning issues that public and private employers face every day.
Presentation:
Succession Planning Presentation
11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. | Awards Luncheon | Arizona Ballroom 1-5
1:00 – 1:50 p.m. | Beyond Bond Approval, Yes: Complexities and Current Issues for GO Bond Elections | Arizona Ballroom
1 CPE
This panel discussion will build upon the GO Bond Election basics presentation from the GFOAz May training. Topics will include citizen bond election committees, drafting the informational pamphlet, recent legislation, and anticipating challenges related to general obligation bond elections.
Speakers:
Paul Gales, Greenberg Traurig LLP
Zach Sakas, Greenberg Traurig LLP
Paul Gales – Bio
Paul Gales, a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, focuses his practice on various types of tax-exempt and taxable financings, including general obligation, sales tax, revenue, special assessment, certificate of participation and municipal leasing issues and financings for water and sewer and education projects. Paul has represented issuers, underwriters, and other transaction participants in a comprehensive variety of municipal and finance transactions.
Zach Sakas – Bio
Zach Sakas, a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, focuses his practice on providing bond counsel services to all types of Arizona political subdivisions, guiding them through the issuance and sale of bonds to pay for infrastructure and improvements. In addition to representing Arizona political subdivisions, Zach advises investment banks that underwrite municipal bonds and banks that acquire governmental obligations for their own portfolios.
Documents:
Beyond Bond Approval Presentation
2:00 – 2:50 p.m. | Primary Property Tax Issues | Arizona Ballroom
1 CPE
Speakers:
Andrew McGuire, Gust Rosenfeld
Kim Campbell, Gust Rosenfeld
Andrew McGuire – Bio
Andrew McGuire focuses his practice in the areas of government and municipal law with an emphasis on public finance, special districts, real estate, land use, and zoning. His experience includes public finance, impact fees, annexation law, improvement districts, general municipal law, election law, code enforcement, contract and procurement law, open meeting law, and condemnation. He currently serves as Town Attorney for several Arizona municipalities.
Prior to joining Gust Rosenfeld, Andrew was a member of a local law firm where he served as District Counsel to an Arizona sanitary district in addition to his work as City/Town Attorney. Andrew also represents Arizona Native American Communities in solid waste and real property matters. He is AV® Preeminent™ rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, representing the highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards.
Kim Campbell – Bio
Kim Campbell has devoted her practice to representing municipal governments and school districts, with a primary focus on advising finance officers. After spending close to a decade in the City of Scottsdale Attorney’s Office, Kim rejoined Gust Rosenfeld in January 2025 to provide bond counsel services to Arizona municipalities, special taxing districts, and school districts.
Documents:
Primary Property Tax Issues Presentation
2:50 – 3:10 p.m. | Refreshment Break | Arizona Ballroom Foyer
3:15 – 4:45 p.m. | Changing Culture Through Continuous Improvement | Arizona Ballroom
1.5 CPEs
This session will explore how to foster a culture of continuous improvement within government agencies. The presentation will introduce Arizona's Management System as an outcomes-driven approach to empower employees and enhance government services. Attendees will learn actionable leadership strategies and foundational tools for implementing continuous improvement, focusing on people-centered government and measurable outcomes.
Speakers:
Marthajane (Mj) Vincent, Senior Lean Coach, Arizona Government Transformation Office
Michelle Jewell, Senior Lean Consultant, Arizona Government Transformation Office
Marthajane (Mj) Vincent – Bio
Marthajane (Mj) Vincent is a Senior Lean Coach with the Arizona Government Transformation Office (GTO). GTO partners with state agencies to build continuous improvement culture, driving results that enhance critical government services.
She joined GTO in 2022 after two years as a change manager at Albertsons Companies, where she led Change Management for a major software conversion. Before that, she spent nine years at the Department of Transportation (ADOT) in internal communications, employee engagement, and continuous improvement roles.
Mj holds a University of Arizona degree in English literature and communications, multiple L&D certificates, Change Management certifications from Prosci and Blanchard, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and is a certified Life Coach. She enjoys family time, reading & traveling.
Michelle Jewell – Bio
Michelle Jewell is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in driving continuous improvement and change management within both government and corporate sectors. As a Senior Lean Consultant at the Government Transformation Office, she leads the development and sustainment of continuous improvement culture for the State of Arizona, serving as a subject matter expert and implementation partner.
Before her current role, Michelle served as a Lean Coach at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the Arizona Department of Transportation, where she deployed Lean process improvement tools and managed strategic projects. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Wellness and Education from Grand Canyon University, along with Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification and Change Management certifications from Prosci and Blanchard. In her free time, she enjoys family time with her son and rescuing dogs in need.
Presentation:
Changing Culture Through Continuous Improvement Presentation
4:50 – 5:30 p.m. | Board Meeting | San Pedro 1
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Reception | Arizona Ballroom Foyer
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Agenda: Friday
Friday, August 8, 2025
8:00 – 8:50 a.m. | Breakfast | Arizona Ballroom Foyer
9:00 – 10:20 a.m. | 2025 Economic Pulse; Tracking Inflation, Key Indicators, and the Current Financial Landscape | Arizona Ballroom
1.5 CPEs
Should we lose sleep over the economy? Maybe we can help put some worries to rest. Join us for a timely and comprehensive Economic Update exploring key trends shaping today's financial landscape at the national, state, and local levels. This session will cover inflation and interest rates, highlight the key indicators to watch, and examine the broader economy. Special focus will be given to the state of the economy and navigating uncertainty in a dynamic environment. After this session, you should be able to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of economic trends at the national, state, and local levels.
- Identify key indicators that impact consumers and overall growth.
- Apply insights to market patterns and broader economic sentiment.
Speakers
Annette Gaston, Director, PFM Asset Management
Austin Gais, CFA, Institutional Sales & Relationship Manager, PFM Asset Management
Annette Gaston – Bio
Annette Gaston is a director in the Chandler, AZ office. Annette oversees client relationships for public agency clients throughout the Western United States. Her responsibilities include investment advisory services, investment policy evaluation, economic research, portfolio analysis, and cash flow modeling.
Austin Gais – Bio
Austin Gais Austin is an institutional sales and relationship manager who manages client engagements in the Western United States.
Austin is a CFA Charter holder and member of the CFA Society of Colorado.
Documents:
2025 Economic Pulse Presentation
10:30 - 11:50 a.m. | Legislative Update | Arizona Ballroom
1.5 CPEs
This session will provide an update for members on a variety of timely legislative issues. A representative from the League of Arizona Cities & Towns will provide an overview of the 2025 legislative session and explain the challenges and opportunities currently facing Arizona cities, towns and counties going forward.
Speaker:
René Guillen, Deputy Director, League of Arizona Cities and Towns
René Guillen – Bio
René Guillen is a Deputy Director at the Arizona League of Cities and Towns. René was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He began working in politics in 2003 when he interned for the Arizona House of Representatives. He returned to work as research staff for the House in 2005. In 2010 he began working for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and in 2011 he became their Legislative Director. In January of 2015 he became the Policy Advisor on Government and Transportation for Governor Doug Ducey. In the fall of 2017, he left the Ducey administration to join the Town of Gilbert to serve as their Director of Intergovernmental Relations. In 2020 he left to rejoin the League as a deputy director serving under Tom Belshe. René has worked a wide variety of legislative issues including: HOAs, pension reform, illegal immigration, energy and water policy, transportation issues, deregulation, autonomous vehicles, occupational licensing, the sharing economy and local government issues. René and his wife Stacy live in Goodyear, AZ and have two children, Lincoln (8) and Charlotte (6).
Documents:
Legislative Update Presentation
12:00 p.m. | CPE Forms & Conference Adjourns
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
NEW LOCATION:
JW MARRIOTT TUCSON STARR PASS RESORT
3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Arizona, USA, 85745
SAME DATE:
August 6 -8, 2025
TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM AT STARR PASS:
You can call the Starr Pass at the number below or you can use the reservation link below to reserve your room for the GFOAz conference.
Room Reservation Link: click here
Room Reservations Center: 888-527-8989
For any new reservations, the room rate cutoff date is Monday July 14th, 2025. To receive the GFOAz rate of $129.00 plus tax you must make your reservation by July 14, 2025.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at GFOAzinfo@azleague.org.
Rates
$215 Member: Active, Commercial, Associate
$100 Spouse/Guest
$85 Student Member
$315 Non-member; Government Employee
$415 Non-member, Non-government Employee
$325 GFOAz Sponsor
Registration Deadlines
Online registration will close on July 25, 2025.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received in writing prior to July 25, 2025, to receive a partial refund. Email cancellation requests to league@azleague.org. No refunds will be provided after this date. All cancellations will be charged a $30 cancellation fee.