CSMFO is a California-wide organization with board members in the north and south, therefore, with the exception of two or three in-person meetings, monthly board meetings are normally held virtually, and all membership is welcome to attend. Board meetings are where new initiatives and ideas are translated into actionable plans, conference and consultant contracts are approved, and updates are provided from standing Committees and local Chapters. Board meetings are also a great way to get to know CSMFO leadership and become involved in an organization that is here to support you throughout your government career.

The October 2021 board meeting was held in person the day after the annual strategic planning session with all current board members present. The meeting started with a moving Presidential Recognition by Marcus Pimentel to Steve Heide, who navigated CSMFO with resiliency and calm through a pandemic as CSMFO’s 2020 President. A standing ovation, tearful eyes, and beaming pride from everyone in the room surrounded humble and grateful Heide.

Contracts approved on the consent calendar included contracts for the 2025 conference to be held in San Jose, a three-year auditing services contract was awarded to Richardson & Company, and a contract for the 2022 conference golf tournament with play scheduled for Tuesday, February 15 at The Crossing at Carlsbad.

Business items presented included:

• Membership Committee provided an overview of the pilot cohort program and a mentorship program update. The current 47-member pilot cohort with two tracks running in tandem started in May 2021 with graduation scheduled for February 2022 at the annual conference. A new topic is discussed each month with accomplished subject matter presenters providing meaningful sessions to the cohorts. The board approved moving forward with a 2022 cohort program with current cohort members transitioning into support roles for incoming cohort members.

Membership has also made great strides with the development of a Mentorship Program for 2022. Details will be presented at the upcoming November board meeting.

• The 2022 annual conference budget for San Diego was also approved. With pent-up demand for in-person professional interactions and gatherings resuming, the conference is anticipated to host 1,900 attendees and 300 for a newly added abbreviated virtual component. The coming weeks will include various updates on the 2022 conference through CSMFO News and the CSMFO App.
• Separate from the annual conference budget, the 2022 draft operating budget for CSMFO was presented for initial discussions and comments. The operating budget outlines how membership dues, commercial advertising, program and training fees will be appropriated to provide fundamental premier training events to members, management services to support the multiple CSMFO volunteer initiatives, and technology to keep the organization connected and efficient. It also details other expenses such as marketing, chapter expenses, recognition, insurances, and audit fees. A final operating budget will be adopted in December.

These items were followed by Committee Reports and local Chapter Roundtable updates. Committees are busy and already planning great content for 2022.

In general, most CSMFO chapter meetings continue to be virtual with some in person meetings resuming and a hybrid model taking shape for 2022 – with in person and virtual meetings throughout the year. Distance may be manageable, but traffic has resumed making it difficult for some members to attend in person meetings.

Interested in learning more about CSMFO? Join us for the next virtual board meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 18 at 2pm. The full agenda for this meeting is available online here.