Karla Romero, Finance Director and City Treasurer for the City of La Quinta serves as CSMFO’s Communications Committee Chair, is a proud mom, and has been a CSMFO members since 2007. Through CSMFO News, I’ve asked others in CSMFO leadership to share their experiences and I’ve had the pleasure of being the first to read each of them. Some made me laugh and all made me proud to say I know these individuals. I hope these words inspire someone to do more, try more, say yes more, and keep going. No challenge is too big for us to overcome together.

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

I have been fortunate to have many great mentors but the greatest influence in my life has been my mom. She’s always pushed me to do more, try more, not be afraid, say yes, speak up, and keep going. She continues to dedicate her life to her family, and we are all grateful for her never-ending support and love.

2. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I like seeing others succeed, sharing what I’ve learned, and learning new things myself. I have never been bored in government finance. Every year has delivered a new process, regulatory requirement, audit, community concern, policy, state mandate, or internal agency issue, among other fascinating changes. These changes are what make the years fly by, keep you mentally sharp, connected with community members, colleagues, professional organizations, and Sacramento.

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

I am currently a Finance Director and City Treasurer. With virtual kindergarten in full swing my five-year old sees me working from home almost every day, so I asked him and my six-year old niece (first grade) what they thought I did all day for work. They said, “you go to meetings, type really fast, and talk to your boss.”

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

I read as many professional publications are possible and not just finance related ones – I enjoy reading about public works, information technology, human resources, planning, and economic development. I’m the one reading local newspapers and visiting city halls when I go to a new city. I want to know what others are doing and why. I’ve also found that listening to others and asking questions, allows me to learn from their experiences. One more thing, I often take notes during meetings so I’m actively participating and focused rather than attempting to multi-task.

5. How do you motivate staff and yourself?

I share my time and knowledge with other employees, especially those who want to learn and grown in their careers. I know that if they are confident and well trained, they can do more, collaborate effectively with others, and independently identify ways to improve processes.

As for myself, I like to travel (missing this right now), spend time with my family, and come up with new home projects to tackle. Traveling inspires me to see what other communities are doing, my family keeps me grounded, and home projects keep me working, so I can afford to get them done.

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

I have had three defining challenging moments in my government career and each has made me a little more resilient, well rounded, and empathetic towards others.

The first was when the first person who hired me in City government was diagnosed with cancer. She had worked for the agency her entire career, nearly 25 years, rarely took time off and seemed to know every aspect of the operations. When she had to step away, no one knew exactly what or how she did her job and I was asked to do her job in the interim, and yes, my own as well. The interim turned into nearly 18 months before she sadly passed away and I was exhausted. The experience taught me to share information and experiences with others, document processes, and that taking time off for personal care and rest is imperative for overall good health.

The second challenge came when I had been at an agency for over nine years and was ready for a change, but never did I expect the new challenge to mean becoming a Finance Director six months later. At the time I switched jobs, my first and likely only child was six months old and still breast feeding. I was the fifth Director in four years and within a year nearly all the finance department staff had retired or left to work for other agencies. Today, still at the same agency, I work with the best team ever and appreciate how supportive the City Council, executive team, and employees are of one another. The culture of an organization and your personal grit absolutely makes a different in your accomplishments.

Certainly, the third has been this ongoing pandemic. The first three months felt like a paintball gun fight against altering revenue and expense projections, working remotely, meeting budget deadlines, declaring a local emergency, implementing multiple executive orders, and having an unprecedented about of special council meetings. Then came the dimming light switch from Sacramento, which created confusion and frustration among residents and business owners. Today and tomorrow will likely continue to be challenging but look at everything that we have already learned and overcome. We can’t quit now!! I’m excited to see how much more efficient, transparent, and innovative our government agencies and businesses become and how our culture will be forever altered by this pandemic.

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

I studied French for eight years (four in high school and four in college) and my first plane ride was to France at the age of 16, alone (before cell phones) with my high school French teacher and a handful of classmates. I can only imagine how worried my parents were, but they didn’t show it.

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

Just do it. CSMFO will propel your career, challenge you, and support you all at the same time.