Looking Foward
I’d like to extend my congratulations to our newly elected board members, and while I reflect with gratitude on my term on the CSMFO board, my thoughts turn toward futurist Rebecca Ryan, a CSMFO annual conference speaker in both 2020 and 2021. Her timely and inspiring 2021 conference presentation focused on the place between what was and what will be – that space connecting the past and the future, the messy middle.
I’m planning on retiring next June, and I find myself in a Rebecca Ryan case study. I’m giving up a great job I’ve mostly loved for the better part of two decades, after what will be a 36-year professional career, and my wife and I will be relocating soon to a new area as we enter into a new chapter in life. The prospects of these combined changes are simultaneously exhilarating and disconcerting for someone who is generally risk averse and enjoys a high degree of certainty and control in life. It’s all good, however, and as my daughter would say, “no one will feel sorry for you.” I would add, nor should they.
For anyone who might be considering becoming active or perhaps more active in CSMFO, my advice is simple and without hesitation. Do it. Trust me when I say it will enrich your career and benefit your employers, present and future, in untold ways. If you’d like to consider serving on the CSMFO Board of Directors, any one of us who have or is currently serving in that capacity, would be happy share our experience and perspective.
Like many of you, I’ve formed meaningful lasting relationships through my connections in CSMFO. Not quite sure what this next adventure holds for me, but I hope to stay actively engaged and involved at some level in the coming years. Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to serve this great organization. I enjoyed seeing many of you soon in my new hometown at the 2022 CSMFO Annual Conference in San Diego. Take care, be well, and may 2022 be filled with good health, peace, love and joy.
Steve Heide is the Finance Director, Chino Valley Fire District, Chino Hills, California. Over 30 years of professional finance experience, having worked in government and private industry in a variety of finance positions with progressive levels of responsibility. Previous positions in public accounting, healthcare and non-profit/government.
