Let’s pump some energy into our lives today by getting to know Yolanda Rodriguez. Yolanda is CSMFO’s Recognition Committee Chair, where she has volunteered as a Budget Award reviewer since 2004 and is also the Director of Finance and Administrative Services for Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District. Yolanda’s energy jumps out in her answers, her passion for life, mentoring, learning, and growing along the way is augmented by her desire to dance through life. She will motivate you to Reach Out, learn from others, stay positive and be humble in everything that you do.

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

I love to watch anything that is funny and clean, such as I Love Lucy, Everyone Loves Raymond, The Last Standing Man, etc.…. anything that makes me laugh works for me, I love to laugh, so I like any comedies.

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

I watched both of my parents work very hard, so I learned to always work hard and strive forward regardless of the circumstances. I have also been very blessed to have had great leaders in my career, I watched and learned and took their best features which I admired and try to pass on that legacy. I believe every leader in my career has helped mold me to the leader I am today. I am grateful for each one of them, for they have all taught me something and showed me what works and doesn’t work.

3. What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people! Your job/employment offers an opportunity to leave a positive impact on others and learn from others. A task can be learned but lasting relationships and helping create a positive environment and sharing your knowledge with other is priceless. I’ve always believed in investing in others and in return great leaders are created. Watching others grow is priceless to me.

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

Probably started sooner than later in the government field. It’s very humbling and fulfilling to know that in some small way we contribute to our country as public servants. Government finance workers strive for excellence in providing the best transparent service to our community and I take pride in being part of that group.

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

I am currently the Director of Finance and Administrative Services for a local water district in Beaumont. Most of my friends are also involved in government so they understand what I do. My children are grown up and they seem very proud of me, they watched me work hard, go to school full time and be mom, counselor, referee, teacher, cook, etc.….all those wonderful things most moms and dads do today.

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

CSMFO of course, as well as GFOA and now CSDA. These organizations have always been a great resource for me and my team. I truly appreciate CSMFO and the networks they provide via conferences, webinars, and trainings. One of the best features of CSMFO is that you instantly acquire a family you can reach out to, and who so willingly shares knowledge and best practices from their agencies. They are a great resource for all government agencies and special districts in helping stay up to date with the latest regulations and best practices.

7. How do you motivate staff and yourself?

I acknowledge each person on an individual basis. I believe people sometimes need validation of their hard efforts and acknowledgment that they are part of something bigger, that their contribution matters and are equally important as others. So I make sure I make the time for people: to make them feel empowered by giving them the tools/training to do a great job, acknowledge them, respect their input, hold them accountable and encourage them to aim for the stars!

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

When I made the transition from the private world to government 19 years ago. I looked at the general ledger accounting strings, the accounting acronym talk, and it all seemed like a foreign language. I remember thinking what have I done leaving my comfortable job lol. So, I’ve made it a point to make accounting processes and language as simple as possible for others coming into the industry. The next more difficult time for me in my career came with growth and leaving my old team, they were like family to me. Today I feel grateful, for you leave a little of yourself with each team and hope they take the good stuff and ignore the not so good stuff. And you take so much good stuff from them, today I am blessed with again another amazing team!

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

I was in the dance drill team as a teenager – I love to dance even as an adult, so my husband and I dance wherever we are…kitchen, patio, park, etc., if there is music, I start snapping my fingers! Also, I want to retire in Hawaii…so maybe I will be dancing in the jungles of the beautiful islands.

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

As a young accountant, being involved in CSMFO opened so many doors for my career, my knowledge and staying connected to other agencies and always sharing ideas of best practices is very important.

So, Reach out! Reach out to any of the email updates you get from CSMFO, you will get connected with the right individuals who can give you guidance and point you in the direction you desire to go. We need you: your ideas, your knowledge!