Rich Lee, Finance Director, City of San Mateo, CSMFO Board member, CSMFO Member for about 8 years. Protecting America and finding the silver lining in all he does, and experiences are some of the fascinating facts about Rich. His member spotlight takes us through childhood experiences, major career milestones, and provides a glimpse into his bright future.

1. What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show and why?

I’ve been watching Monk and Person of Interest during this shelter-in-place time. There are common elements between both shows, even though they are different genres. Both shows’ primary characters use observation and deduction to resolve dilemmas, albeit Monk avoids the use of technology, while the primary premise of Person of Interest is based on surveillance technology.

2. How has a previous or current mentor impacted your career?

When I first began my career, I was working part time and still pursuing a career in musical performance. I consider myself very fortunate to have had a manager that envisioned a career path for me in municipal finance. Even though I had no relevant education and was focused on establishing a career in a completely different field, fifteen years ago she told me that I would be a finance director someday. In 2015, when I was hired for my first Finance Director role, I called my former manager and told her “You were right”. Christine Ma – thank you for believing in me.

3. What do you enjoy most about your job?

A few years ago, CSMFO published a video in celebration of its 60th anniversary, where it interviewed several leadership members. One of the questions that was posed was “What makes CSMFO great?” The most common response was “the people” – our members. Over the past 15 years of my career, that is what I’ve found that I enjoy the most about my job. Whether it is working with the members of my department, the executive team, the City Council, or members of the public – we are all a part of a greater sum in serving our community.

4. Knowing what you know now, if you were new to government finance what would you do differently when you started your career?

I would have gotten involved with CSMFO sooner. In addition to providing training and continuing education opportunities for its members, the connections and relationships that are built through CSMFO have been instrumental to my career development. Having access to this organization and its resources earlier in my career would have been invaluable.

5. What is your current position and what do your children or friends think you do at work?

My current position is Finance Director for the City of San Mateo. If I were a fictional character, I’d be Chandler Bing from Friends. Nobody really knows what I do for a living. The other day, my oldest son was watching the Schoolhouse Rocks government episode, so I asked him what he thought I did for work. He said, “Protect America?”

6. How do you keep up to date with upcoming regulations?

Within the context of the current health crisis, in order to keep up to date with upcoming regulations, I attend training webinars by CSMFO and GFOA. This is CSMFO’s core mission and greatest value. The Career Development Committee (CDC) works very hard to put together high-quality webinars throughout the year. Laura Nomura and the CDC have been working overtime to add more webinars on timely and relevant topics to support our members in the wake of COVID-19 and shelter-in-place restrictions.

7. How do you motivate staff and yourself?

For my staff, the answer depends on the person. That is one of the first question that I ask my managers. Their answer provides insight into their personal and professional journey thus far, and how I can help guide them. For example, when I first began my career, my primary motivation was financial, because it was driven by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. As I have advanced in my career, I have found that it gives my life meaning and purpose. Public service is a calling of the highest order.

8. What has been the most challenging time in your finance career and how did you overcome it?

Many moons ago, I found myself in a very toxic work environment, which led to 80% staff turnover over a short period of time. I attribute overcoming this trial to three characteristics: 1) Relied on thick skin that was developed in my youth due to adversity (especially within the context of my response to the next question), 2) built a strong support network within the organization (with a nod to my former co-worker and friend, Kevin Brokaw), and 3) embracing stretch opportunities that came my way due to staff turnover. In hindsight, though extremely adversarial, the experience I developed from these stretch opportunities prepared me for my first managerial role.

9. What is something about you that no one would ever guess or expect?

I haven’t had any hair since I was 15 years old. I have an autoimmune disorder known as alopecia universalis. It’s a recessive gene that essentially causes the body to attack its own hair follicles. While it made life difficult as a teenager, the experience helped me learn how to thrive in the face of adversity. As a silver lining, I’ve saved a considerable amount of money on shampoo, water (due to short showers), and haircuts!

10. What advice do you have for a CSMFO member on getting more involved with the organization?

There is no mystery to it. If you are interested in getting started, I recommend taking a look at CSMFO’s various committees to see if one of their missions resonates with you. You could also consider serving as a local chapter chair or vice-chair. One of my mentors as a young finance director was CSMFO Past President John DeRussy, who recommended that I consider joining the CSMFO Career Development Committee. A year later, CSMFO Past President Drew Corbett appointed me as Chair of the Peninsula Chapter. Two years later, I was fortunate to be elected to the CSMFO Board. Based on my experience, the path begins with the desire to serve our fellow members and our profession.