Serving as a CSMFO board member has allowed me to connect with members, vendors, and students from across the diverse State of California along with challenging and encouraging me professionally. Reflecting on the last three years reminds me of many special moments and dreaming of the future makes me smile.
There is so much to do and learn by volunteering for a CSMFO event, program, or committee of your choice. Being an engaged member also means creating new opportunities and programs for other members, sharing experiences, challenging yourself to do something new, having professional resources, and paying it forward.
My path to becoming a board member started with a simple request to collect registration money and welcome those registered for a Coachella Valley CSMFO chapter meeting in 2008. I was hooked and wanted to learn more about government finance while having the positive energy and knowledge of attendees as a resource.
After this day I continued to volunteer for big and small CSMFO tasks such as being a Chapter Chair in the Coachella Valley and Imperial Valley, Chair of the Communications Committee, being a membership committee member, helping with annual conference planning duties as a member of several host committees, participating on ad hoc committee initiatives, the mentorship program as a mentee and mentor, and budget award reviewer.
Certainly, not all at once, but over the years I learned about the many aspects of CSMFO and grew into being asked to run for the Board. Everyone’s path is different, but every CSMFO volunteer has a passion for giving back to the profession. This week at the annual conference you may be asked to volunteer; consider saying yes.
One of my most memorable conference moments as a board member included recording myself singing the national anthem for the 2021 virtual conference. As a new board member, I was terrified, out of tune, and wondering what I had gotten myself into. I did it and quickly confirmed I’m not a singer.
At each conference I always look forward to hearing the featured speakers who re-inspire us to do our best work, support one another, and make us laugh while also teaching us difficult lessons. You can also learn a lot from visiting the exhibit hall and talking to vendors about their services or products. Early morning yoga, walks, and meetings with colleagues always start the day off on the right foot; while evening events and dinners are an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and make new friends.
Conferences for me tend to end with lots of great ideas, an abundance of energy to do more, and perhaps losing my voice after three days of non-stop learning, laughter, and speaking to as many attendees as possible.
In 2024 I look forward to continuing my engagement with CSMFO by serving on the Program and Communications Committees, being supportive of local chapter events, and engaging with members and vendors alike.
Thank you to the many CSMFO members (government, commercial, and retirees) who have positively supported, influenced, and strengthened my government finance career since 2008.
Karla Romero is the Finance Director for the Coachella Valley Water District. Previously serving as the Finance Director/City Treasurer for the cities of La Quinta and Brawley. She continues to serve on several CSMFO Committees and is a former CSMFO board member. Karla has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. She enjoys learning, seeing others succeed and is passionate about mentoring and sharing knowledge. On her free time, she enjoys reliving her childhood with an active son named Titus, traveling, and staying connected with family and friends.
