Hello 2021 let’s start of the year by getting to know a former CSMFO president and current Committee Chair, Laura Nomura. In addition to being the Deputy General Manager for Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) overseeing all administrative functions, Laura is also the current Chair of CSMFO’s Career Development Committee and was the 2012 CSMFO President. Throughout her interview she describes how soaking up positive energy and experiences from mentors (even anonymous mentors) can shape your future. She also provides insight on the numerous roles and opportunities to serve in CSMFO leadership capacities and how they have positively influenced her career.

1. With the holidays just ending, what is your favorite holiday tradition?

What I love most about the holidays is getting together with my large family, catching up, sharing stories, laughing and of course having our traditional foods that includes green chile and tamales. Sadly, we had to postpone our traditions to next year with the current pandemic restrictions.

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

Funny, but most of my mentors don’t really know that I have designated them as someone I try to learn from and emulate. I feel blessed to work in the government sector where I have collaborated with many talented people, both bosses and colleagues (many in CSMFO), who always make time to share knowledge or support my efforts. With their guidance and mentorship, I have worked to continuously improve my technical and leadership skills which has opened doors for me as I progressed throughout my career. For those coming up in careers, find those individuals who you respect and admire, and soak up as much of their positive attributes as you can. I promise you; it will have a tremendous impact on your future success.

3. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I have had some really great jobs throughout my career, but my current job at EMWD is the absolute best. I get to come in every day and work with a talented, motivated group that all have the passion for executing the strategic initiatives set by the Board. I have never experienced this level of commitment and pride throughout an organization which makes it extremely fun to come to work each day!

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

I might have started in government a bit sooner; I spent the first 14 years of my career in public accounting and private industry. However, I do believe that my CPA license and private industry experience has helped me succeed in my career bringing a different perspective to issues.

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

My current position is Deputy General Manager for Eastern Municipal Water District. My family and friends understand the demands and level of responsibility of my job. They all have seen me progress through my career from the staff level to now an executive level. The interesting aspect of having a career in Finance is that at every level it has seemed challenging and demanding just because of the nature of work we do with deadlines, up and down economies, changing legislation, resources and the list goes on. It’s not always an easy career and it’s great to have the support of family and friends to help you persevere.

6. What have you learned about yourself from being a Committee Chair?

I have learned that it takes a village of dedicated volunteers to help make the committee successful. I would not be successful in my role as Chair without the tremendous support I receive from all of the members of our committee and the administrative support from Zach Seals, SMA staff member.

Everyone has a strong dedication to CSMFO and that comes out in their excellent ideas and execution of our career development programs. This past year I was truly grateful to the committee members for all of their hard work and support to shift very quickly from mainly in-person training to a virtual platform due to the pandemic. We are now able to reach membership in remote areas because of the virtual environment that before we were unable to reach due to location challenges. Participation in our programs has increased dramatically at a time that it is tremendously needed. Thank you so much to all the members of the Career Development Committee for all your dedication to CSMFO and its members!

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

Take a leap, put yourself out there and get involved in CSMFO! At your next virtual Chapter meeting or at the annual conference, reach out and “Chat” with someone you have seen that is active in CSMFO. We always love sharing our experiences and can provide you all you need to know about getting involved. Your investment of time will pay dividends for years to come. Most important, you will have a network of the most amazing finance professionals that will go above and beyond to help you succeed in your career. Hope to chat with you soon.