CSMFO Cohort Program has Launched – Part 2
Last week, we focused on reminding members about the key aspects of the Cohort Program. As one of the team coordinators, Jennifer Wakeman referenced in an email on the program “During this trying time, I have definitely leaned on my key group of colleagues because we all understand the work perspective/situation. Additionally, they have the best suggestions, tactics, and templates for when I am tackling a challenging project. The hope is that the cohort model will create these same pockets of support for CSMFO members.”
This time around, we continue to focus on some of the member participant responses to our questions after the inaugural launch in May 2021.
Are you active in CSMFO through chapter meetings, webinar training, or annual conference attendance? Have you attended the weekend training (pre-COVID times)?
Li Zhang (Transportation Authority of Marin) has been active in attending chapter meetings and the various training CSMFO has offered including the weekend training and the annual conference. When referring to the weekend training, Li said “I really enjoyed the intense learning and small group networking during the hard-working, but rewarding weekend!”
Nick Kurns (Scotts Valley Water District) serves as Vice Chair of the Career Development Committee and attends chapter meetings and has attended the annual conference the past two years. He is interested in the Weekend Training and would participate when he can do it.
Vicky Cao attends CSMFO chapter meetings, webinars offered and has attended the annual conference for the past four years, including the recent virtual conference. She was not familiar with the weekend training offered by CSMFO.
Have you ever participated in past CSMFO coaching programs, might be a program session by Don Maruska at an annual conference, and how does this compare?
Jen Becker (Burbank’s Financial Services Director) had not participated in the coaching program but had previously attended a Don Maruska session. She sees this as more networking than coaching-based and stated “I like the range of experience in this group and believe there will be a lot of opportunities for us to learn from each other.”
Do you see this program as a way to help you grow in your professional finance career or are you interested in becoming active in CSMFO volunteer options?
Vicky Cao sees the program as a way to help her grown in her professional finance career. “I may get myself involved in the volunteer options later,” she stated.
Nick Kurns noted, “Definitely, I see this program as a great way to learn and grow professionally.”
Li Zhang stated that “My main focus is to find the right volunteer option(s) for me to get more involved with CSMFO, but I can see this program will also be a good way to help me grow in my professional finance career.”
Any other thoughts to share?
Li Zhang is excited to be part of the first Cohort Program and will enjoy the learning and networking with the group, as well as hoping to find the right volunteer match and be able to give back soon!
Joan Michaels Aguilar began her career in municipal government over 40 years ago and is now a Principal with the sales tax team at HdL Companies. Joan served as the 2019 CSMFO President and has worked for a variety of agencies throughout California and been active for many years in CSMFO on a variety of committees (Administration, Budget, Membership, Communications, and various Host Committees). Currently, Joan is one of the Senior Advisors of the Communications Committee. Even during these trying pandemic times, she enjoys travel and has discovered the beauty of the National Parks recently, visiting four in the past six months.
