Each month, it is the goal of this CSMFO newsletter to provide its members with the happenings at the Board level. The actions taken at these meetings can have profound effects trickled into each local chapter and benefit members in numerous ways.

The CSMFO Board is made up of 12 individuals: three from the Executive Committee (President, President-Elect, and Past-President), as well as six members elected at-large (three from the north and three from the south). On Thursday, August 27, the CSMFO Board conveyed their monthly meeting via Zoom at 2:00 P.M. with a long list of discussion items to review, discuss, and approve.

Planning for the 2021 Annual Conference is in full swing and the continued focus is on providing critical and value-added programs to members. Stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks!

The Board discussed the potential for a new Cohort Program, which would support CSMFO member’s long-term career development through one-on-one member interactions. The goal would be that by the end of the Cohort year, members will have a good understanding of the programs and services CSMFO offers; be connected to at least one member of leadership; have met with other cohort members at least six times and; have gained insight into the value of CSMFO.

CSMFO also considered the possibility of adding a new physical plaque to be given out for those agencies who earn the award for the Operating Budget and Capital Improvement award program.

Students are really important to CSMFO! So much so that a new committee was created called the Student Engagement Committee and a brand-new listserv was rolled out, complete with a policy that the Board approved for use among students and professors. The listserv will serve to help facilitate discussions among student and professor members.

Smith Moore & Associates (SMA) currently provides executive support to CSMFO and they have proudly announced a new staff member: Wesley Lee. Wesley will serve as SMA’s Account Assistant and is very charismatic and efficient.

Local CSMFO chapters have resumed their meetings via Zoom. The use of Zoom to conduct chapter meetings will give you a unique opportunity to go to any chapter meeting no matter your physical location. Make sure you have your camera turned on so CSMFO members can see your beautiful face!

Lastly, are you interested in becoming a CSMFO Board member but don’t know where to start? Pathways to CSMFO leadership and succession planning were discussed at the meeting with the key takeaway being that there is not one path to get there, but rather, a well-rounded knowledge of CSMFO is required. To be a part of the leadership of CSMFO, simply say yes by volunteering at the local chapter level, joining a standing or ad-hoc committee, or by asking a current Board member or Committee Chair how you can be a part of CSMFO.

The next Board meeting of CSMFO is scheduled for October 6 during the virtual Planning Session and as always, timely topics for webinars, professional standards updates, and CSMFO News will continue as usual.