CSMFO Past-President Highlight, Thomas Fil, 2009
With excitement growing for the CSMFO Annual Conference in February, here is another interview in the series with CSMFO Past Presidents. Thomas Fil, who retired from the City of Belmont in April 2021, planned the 2009 CSMFO Annual Conference in San Francisco with his Host Committee. Thomas shares many memories and some familiar names of those who impacted him to get more involved in CSMFO.
What is your fondest CSMFO memory to date?
Some may not know that CSMFO was not always run like a Swiss watch as it is today! There was a brief period when the organization was on its own when it transitioned from the League of California Cities to a professional management company and things were dicey; that’s when David Cain stepped up and said, “We’ll help.” David and his fine staff at the City of Chino were selfless and exhibited that spirit of service to others that makes working in local government cool! I’ll never forget their can-do attitude which contributed to the smooth tracks CSMFO runs on today.
Who in CSMFO had the greatest impact on you and your career?
This one is easy: Brad Grant of Merced. Brad was a superb mentor, and I had the good fortune of working for him in my first local government appointment. Brad was masterful at his craft, well respected by his peers, openly shared what it meant to be a finance director in an A(irport) to Z(oo) City, and never hesitated to expose me to a full spectrum of challenges. It was a joy to learn from him.
Tell us about an individual or more than one that got you involved in CSMFO and why did you feel it was important?
This is a hard question to answer as there were many people who influenced my decision to become more involved in CSMFO, such as John DeRussy, Bill Statler, Jack Crist, Mary Bradley, Zane Johnston, Janet Salvetti, Viki Copeland, Ronnie Campbell, Mark Alvarado, Laura Nomura, Pauline Marx, Scott Johnson, Jesse Takahashi, John Adams, Drew Corbett, and, of course, Brad Grant, to just name a few. All of these folks have incredible talent, deep subject matter knowledge, enthusiasm for the profession, great respect for others, an un-compromised moral compass, and are humble. As it relates to this question, they all share a belief in the value and opportunities CSMFO membership affords, and that leaves quite an impression on oneself.
What do you enjoy most when you were not knee-deep in spreadsheets, prepping for elected official questions, or CSMFO activities?
To a much greater extent now that I’m retired, I enjoy sports that involve speed and wheels with cycling being at the top. Perhaps it’s the level of focus required to perform these sports well and avoid catastrophe? Not sure, but these sports do provide a great escape from the rigors demanded by the profession. In fact, I’m not alone as there are a couple of “CSMFO-ers” who share this interest and have gone on a few motorcycle adventures together!
What advice would you tell someone starting out in the municipal finance career?
Public service is not everyone, but if you believe in the mission, there is no higher purpose or greater satisfaction than the act of the performance of service to others.
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As you can see from his responses, Thomas benefitted from a mentor and involvement in CSMFO. Keep an eye out at the 2022 CSMFO Annual Conference and throughout the year for ways to become involved with CSMFO, whether through the CSMFO Mentorship Program, a local chapter, or a committee!
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 recently discovered the National Parks’ beauty, visiting four in the past six months.
