Conference Program
TUESDAY, APRIL 28
PRE-CONFERENCE ONLY & EARLY REGISTRATION
11:00am - 5:00pm | Center Lounge Registration Open
1:00pm - 5:00pm Set up in the Exhibit Areas
11:30am - 11:45am | South Ballroom
Introductions and CCMT Certification Overview
• Susan Munson, Managing Director, Academy Securitie – Fixed Income Sales
11:45am - 1:30pm | South Ballroom
Pre-Conference: Investment Fundamentals/CCMT
Specialized Training - Session One: Investment Program Foundation and Process
Establishing a sound investment program is essential to the financial health and accountability of every public agency. While no two agencies are identical, all investment programs share foundational principles rooted in safety, liquidity, and yield. This session provides a framework for understanding these core concepts and applying them to the unique circumstances of your organization. Participants will gain practical insight into how statutory guidelines, policy development, and prudent management practices work together to build and sustain a compliant and effective investment program.
Learning Objectives:
• Explain the core principles and statutory framework that guide public investing in California, including key sources of authority and oversight responsibilities.
• Evaluate the features, benefits, and risks of allowable investment options such as local government investment pools, money market funds, separately managed accounts, and direct investments.
• Apply best practices for policy development, reporting, and oversight to ensure transparency, accountability, and fiduciary stewardship within a public investment program.
• Source and integrate tools and resources for the benefit of incorporating industry best practices into your agency’s investment practice.
Speakers:
• Hubert R White, III CFA CTP, Chief Investment Officer, City & County of San Francisco
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: Download and review CDIAC
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 2.0
Investment Primer: https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cdiac/ invest/primer.pdf
1:30pm - 1:45pm Break
1:45pm - 2:45pm | South Ballroom
Pre-Conference: Investment Fundamentals/CCMT
Specialized Training - Session Two: Guardians of the Public Purse: Treasury Fraud Prevention in Local Government
This dynamic training session explores real-world cases of treasury-related fraud in local government. Designed for treasurers, finance directors, auditors, and elected officials, the session highlights how internal control failures, lack of oversight, and over-reliance on trusted individuals can lead to devastating financial losses.
Through case analysis, group discussion, and interactive exercises, participants will learn to identify red flags, assess vulnerabilities in their own organizations, and implement practical strategies to safeguard public funds. Whether you’re in a small municipality or a large county, this session will equip you with the tools to strengthen financial integrity and accountability.
Learning Objectives:
• Analyze treasury fraud cases to understand how each scheme was executed and concealed.
• Identify common red flags and internal control failures that enabled long-term fraud.
• Evaluate their own organization’s treasury functions for risk exposure and oversight gaps.
• Apply best practices in financial governance, including segregation of duties, audit protocols, and emergency access planning.
• Develop an action plan to improve fraud prevention and detection in their local government operations.
Speaker:
• Katherine Yuen, CEO, Krisch & Company
Program Level: Overview
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.2
2:45pm - 3:00pm Break
3:00pm - 4:45pm | South Ballroom
Pre-Conference: Investment Fundamentals/CCMT
Specialized Training - Session Three: Investment Policy Overview, CA Investment Code Update, and Investment Policy Exercise
Learn how California Government Code prescribes the authorized investments available to California public agencies and the importance of your investment policy in guiding your investment program within the legal parameters. Develop a better understanding of the Investment Policy through what is important to include while learning to identify common trouble spots. Review of investment policy sections via Q&A to prepare your investment policy for CMTA Certification.
Learning Objectives:
• Describe the importance of the Investment Policy Statement as the foundation of any investment program.
• Demonstrate Investment Policy best practices.
• Define upcoming legislative changes to Code and the importance of timing for board/council approval.
• Identify common pitfalls based on the eighteen (18) areas found in a CMTA certified Investment Policy.
Speakers:
• Deborah Higgins, President, Higgins Capital
• Kandis Baldwin, Investment Officer, El Dorado County
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 2.0
4:45pm - 5:00pm | South Ballroom
End of Day Wrap and Q&A
• Susan Munson, Managing Director, Academy Securities
• Bret Black, Financial Manager-Debt,Treasury and Special Funding, Eastern Municipal Water District
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
7:30am - 5:00pm | Center Lounge Registration Open
7:30am - 6:00pm Exhibit Hall Open
7:30am - 8:30am Continental Breakfast for Pre-conference Sessions
8:30am-9:45am | South Ballroom
Pre-Conference: Investment Fundamentals/CCMT
Specialized Training - Session Four: Don’t Let the Accounting Tail Wag the Investment Dog: Making Strategy Lead the Way
Aligning Accounting Practices with Strategic Investment Decisions. This course explores how accounting methods can influence investment strategy. Participants will learn to recognize the role of different accounting bases and understand their impact on investment choices, ensuring strategic objectives remain at the forefront of decisionmaking. Through practical examples and case studies, learners will develop the skills needed to evaluate accounting entries and reporting practices, allowing strategy—not accounting conventions—to drive investment policy.
Learning Objectives:
• Assess which accounting basis best supports the strategic objectives of your entity.
• Describe different investment strategies, such as buyand-hold and active management, and how they will impact accounting
• Explain the mechanics of bond payments and yield reporting, and their implications for investment strategy.
• Identify specific ways in which investment accounting can impact, support, or hinder strategic decisionmaking.
• Understand how overcoming accounting biases can positively impact investment return
Speakers:
• Tonya Dazzio, CCM, Director, Advisory Services, Meeder Asset Management
• Greg Balls, CFA, Director, Advisory Services, Meeder Asset Management
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.4
8:30am-9:45am | North Ballroom
Pre-Conference: Debt - Bond Pricing in Action: An Interactive Simulation of the Primary Market Process - Part 1
Step inside a live bond pricing room! Join this handson simulation to experience how issuers, advisors, and underwriters collaborate to price a new municipal bond. Learn how market factors, investor demand, and team communication shape the final borrowing cost — and practice the decision-making behind every successful sale.
Learning Objectives:
• Describe the roles and responsibilities of issuers, financial advisors, and underwriters during the pricing process.
• Evaluate pricing comparables and interpret order book data to inform pricing decisions.
• Apply collaborative strategies and real-time judgment to achieve successful, market-aligned pricing outcomes.
Speakers:
• Anna Sarabian, Partner, Fieldman, Rolapp and Associates
• Holly Vocal, Managing Director, BofA Securities
• Traci Lee, Assistant Treasurer, Orange County Fire Authority
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience.
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.4
9:45am - 10:00am Break
10:00am - 11:15am | South Ballroom
Pre-Conference: Investment Fundamentals/CCMT
Specialized Training - Session Five: New Topics in Treasury – Application of Artificial Intelligence in State and Local Treasury
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how public finance professionals manage information, analyze data, and communicate with stakeholders. This session will explore practical, real-world applications of AI tools that municipal treasurers and investment officers can use today to streamline treasury, cash management, and investment operations. Rather than focusing on theory, the discussion centers on what’s working on the ground for agencies of all sizes.
Learning Objectives:
• Describe the current landscape of artificial intelligence tools and how they can be responsibly applied within municipal treasury and investment operations.
• Identify practical, day-to-day use cases where AI can streamline workflows such as cash flow forecasting, investment reporting, reconciliation, policy drafting, and public communication.
• Recognize risk, compliance, and data-governance considerations when introducing AI tools in a public agency environment.
• Apply actionable templates and examples that participants can immediately use in their own departments.
Speakers:
• Bret Black, Financial Manager-Debt,Treasury and Special Funding, Eastern Municipal Water Districtg
• Damani Brown, Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector’s Office, Investment Analyst, San Bernardino County
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.4
10:00am - 11:15am | North Ballroom
Pre-Conference: Debt - Bond Pricing in Action: An Interactive Simulation of the Primary Market Process - Part 2
Step inside a live bond pricing room! Join this handson simulation to experience how issuers, advisors, and underwriters collaborate to price a new municipal bond. Learn how market factors, investor demand, and team communication shape the final borrowing cost — and practice the decision-making behind every successful sale.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of issuers, financial advisors, and underwriters during the pricing process.
• Evaluate pricing comparables and interpret order book data to inform pricing decisions.
• Apply collaborative strategies and real-time judgment to achieve successful, market-aligned pricing outcomes.
Speakers:
• Anna Sarabian, Partner, Fieldman, Rolapp and Associates
• Holly Vocal, Managing Director, BofA Securities
• Traci Lee, Assistant Treasurer, Orange County Fire Authority
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience.
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.4
We are Wall Street experienced, military trained, and client focused.
As the nationʼs first Post-9/11 veteran-owned and operated investment bank, Academy Securities delivers expertise in capital markets, asset management, public finance, geopolitical intelligence, and fixed income and equity trading. Your Academy coverage team has proudly served California municipalities and CMTA for over 30 years, and we are honored to be your trusted partner.
To learn more, contact: Susan Munson smunson@academysecurities.com 949-669-2780
Andrew Davidoff adavidoff@academysecurities.com 949-669-2370
Caroline Mixon cmixon@academysecurities.com 949-288-0860
11:30am - 1:30pm | Center Grand Ballroom
Lunch & Keynote Speaker - Leading Through Crisis: Lessons in Resilience, Decision-Making, and Organizational Strength
When crisis strikes, leaders rarely have the luxury of perfect information or unlimited time. They must make difficult decisions quickly, maintain trust within their teams, and guide their organizations through uncertainty while continuing to serve the public.
In this session, Lt. Gen Gibson, a retired three-star general and former U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms, shares hardwon insights from the front lines of leadership during some of our nation’s most challenging moments. Her experiences include supporting combat operations overseas, coordinating response efforts during Hurricane Irma, and rebuilding security institutions in the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Drawing from her truly unique experiences, Lt. Gen Gibson will share battle-tested wisdom and insights on qualities that separate leaders who merely survive crises from those who transform them into catalysts for organizational strength and resilience.
Learning Objectives:
• Describe key leadership principles for making effective decisions during periods of uncertainty, limited information, and high operational pressure.
• Identify strategies for maintaining team cohesion, communication, and morale during crisis situations that impact government operations.
• Recognize how organizations can strengthen resilience and preparedness by applying lessons learned from past disruptions and emergencies.
• Apply practical leadership approaches that help public sector leaders protect critical functions, maintain public trust, and guide their organizations through future challenges.
Speaker:
• Lieutenant General Karen Gibson, USA (Ret.), Academy Securities Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Personal Development
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.5
1:30pm - 2:00pm | Exhibit Hall
Dessert Break
2:00pm - 3:00pm | Center Grand Ballroom
General Session - The KISS Public Fund
Investment Program
With government investment program’s special stewardship over taxpayer funds, a time-tested approach is to Keep It Simple and Systematic (KISS). Simple certainly doesn’t mean rudimentary, but it’s an understandable and systematic approach to the three primary objectives of safety, liquidity, and income.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify and measure primary investment program risks.
• Develop strategies to build a robust cash flow model.
• Optimize suitable amounts of interest rate and credit risks.
• Develop suitable benchmarks for public funds investment programs.
Speaker:
• Rick Phillips, Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Strategist, Meeder Public Funds
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience.
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.2
3:00pm - 4:00pm | Center Grand Ballroom
General Session -
Digital Age: Cyber Risk, Technology, and Internal Controls for Fiduciary Leaders
In an era of rapid technological advancement, treasurers and finance professionals in local government must navigate complex cyber risks while upholding the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility. This session offers a strategic approach to managing third-party relationships, leveraging emerging technologies, and reinforcing internal controls all with the goal of protecting public funds and maintaining integrity. Participants will gain practical insights into how AI tools can be used to enhance operational efficiency without compromising compliance, transparency, or data security. The session emphasizes proactive risk management and ethical stewardship in a tech-driven environment.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify strategies to safeguard public funds when engaging third-party vendors and service providers
• Evaluate cyber threats and emerging technologies through the lens of fiduciary responsibility and public accountability
• Apply best practices for responsible use of AI tools to improve financial operations while ensuring compliance with public sector standards.
• Strengthen internal controls to adapt to evolving technologies and mitigate risks in high-stakes financial processes.
Speakers:
• Katherine Yuen, CEO, Krisch & Company
• Heather Ramamurthy, PMP, Management Analyst, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
• Donald E. Hester, CISA Cybersecurity AdvisorNorthern California, CISA
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.2
4:30pm - 6:00pm | Exhibit Hall
Welcome Reception
It’s such a great tool to help a local government manage its debt, keep track of everything, keep track of the accounting, do the financial annual reporting, and do the forecast and analysis
Florence County Administrator It’s almost a required tool in your toolbox now.”
Kevin Yokim
RELIABLE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS SINCE
Managing public funds requires specialized knowledge across a range of financial disciplines. Finding the right company to deliver solutions to complex problems is key.
For 80 years, HilltopSecurities has been that company, providing governmental entities in California and across the nation with a fully integrated portfolio of municipal advisory, underwriting and capital market solutions.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
7:30am - 4:30pm | Center Lounge Registration Open
7:30am - 4:30pm Exhibits Open
7:30am - 8:30am Full American Breakfast
8:30am - 9:30am | Center Grand Ballroom
General Session - Uncertainty Continues to Cloud the Economic and Market Outlooks
President Trump’s economic and geopolitical agendas continue to upended what were rather placid outlooks for the economy, inflation, and the path forward for interest rates. Last year was defined by uncertainty from the unprecedented increase in trade barriers. While the economy has remained surprisingly resilient, this year is quickly being defined by the uncertainty of another exogenous shock - the Iranian conflict. Both of these developments have resulted in upside risks to inflation at a time when inflation has remained stubbornly above the Fed’s 2 percent target. Complicating the interest rate outlook, job growth has slowed to a crawl reducing the margin of error for downside growth. In this presentation, we will highlight the crosscurrent of factors affecting the outlook for monetary policy and the implications for interest rates more broadly.
Learning Objectives:
• Participants will be able to have more informed strategic discussions about the interest rate environment and the factors driving interest rates.
• Participants will be better equipped to manage their investment portfolios given a more refined understanding of the factors affecting the markets.
• Participants will be better equipped to manage their local operations based on a broader understanding of the crosscurrents affecting the economic landscape.
Speaker:
• Craig Dismuke, Chief Market Strategist, Stifel
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Economics
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.2
9:35am - 10:35am | South Ballroom
Breakout Session - Main Street Speak: The Language of Public Funds Investing
The Language of Public Fund Investing. The easy part of public fund investing is buying bonds. The hard part is explain why. This session demystifies the language of public fund investing, helping professionals communicate portfolio strategy, performance, and especially losses in clear, accessible terms. Participants will learn how to replace jargon with plain language, translate policy objectives into everyday concepts, and build trust with boards, councils and taxpayers.
Learning Objectives:
• Communicate losses clearly and constructively, explaining recognized vs. realized losses and political vs. economic principal.
• Translate financial jargon into plain language that boards, councils, and taxpayers can understand.
• Explain portfolio objectives—safety, liquidity, income, and compliance— in terms that connect to community priorities.
• Reframe performance as stewardship, not total return, by shifting conversations away from Wall Street benchmarks.
Speaker:
• Ben Finkelstein, Managing Director, Fixed Income, Hilltop Securities
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Economics
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.2
9:35am - 10:35am | North Ballroom
Breakout Session - Pooled Cash Management: Best Practices and Pitfalls
This training provides a comprehensive overview of pooled cash management for governmental entities. Participants will learn the fundamentals of establishing and maintaining a pooled cash fund, explore various structural options, and understand the critical benefits and potential risks associated with pooled cash operations.
Through real-world examples and practical guidance, this session will cover:
• Overview of Pooled Cash Funds: Understand how pooled cash works, why it’s used, and how it supports efficient financial operations across multiple governmental funds.
• Benefits of Maintaining a Pooled Cash Fund: Learn how pooling cash simplifies cash management, reduces administrative burden, and increases transparency.
• Methods for Setting Up Pooled Cash: Explore different approaches to structuring pooled cash and how to tailor the setup to your agency’s size, complexity, and regulatory environment.
• Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them: Identify risks such as inaccurate fund allocations, reconciliation errors, lack of transparency, and compliance issues. Learn strategies to mitigate these risks through internal controls and clear procedures. This class is ideal for finance officers, accountants, auditors, and treasury staff working in city, county, or special district governments. Whether you’re new to pooled cash or looking to refine your current practices, this training will equip you with the tools to manage pooled cash effectively and confidently.
Learning Objectives:
• Explain the purpose and function of pooled cash in government finance.
• Identify key benefits of maintaining a pooled cash fund.
• Compare setup options for pooled cash systems.
• Recognize common risks and errors in pooled cash management.
• Apply best practices to improve transparency, accuracy, and compliance.
Speakers:
• Heather Rowden, Advisory Services Manager, Krisch & Company
• Anna Nicholas, Finance Director, City of Atwater
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience.
Field of Study: Accounting (Governmental)
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.2
9:35am - 10:35am | North Exhibit Hall AB
Breakout Session - Imagine What’s Possible with New Tax Revenues and Strategic Debt Issuance
Many public agencies run lean General Fund budgets despite needing to meet extensive service demands and capital needs, and yet expenses are growing at a faster rate than revenues. Is taking a tax revenue measure to voters a viable option to shore up your agency’s fiscal sustainability and fund priority capital improvement projects? What financing tools are available to effectively leverage the additional revenue stream? Learn about what tax revenue and debt financing options are available, pros and cons, insights from other public agencies, and how to evaluate whether they are good fits for your agency.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify key features of tax revenue measure options for public agencies
Your future. Our focus.
Jodi L. Pieczynski
Managing Director--Wealth Mgmt 916-648-7293
jodi.pieczynski@ubs.com
Steve E. Rutledge
Managing Director--Wealth Mgmt 916-648-7275
steve.rutledge@ubs.com
Sacramento Regional Institutional Sales
UBS Financial Services Inc. 3001 Douglas Boulevard Suite 160 Roseville, CA 95661 800-354-3895
advisors.ubs.com/sacrisg
Specialized support for government entities
Wells Fargo is a proud sponsor of the 2026 California Municipal Treasurers Association.
Wells Fargo Government Banking provides access to specialized products and services to address the distinctive needs of local and state governments, with a focus on building long-term relationships.
Government Banking
Zina Monroe monroez@wellsfargo.com
Jeannie Kabilafkas jeannie.kabilafkas@wellsfargo.com
Lynn Love lovely@wellsfargo.com
Zachary Chastain zachary.chastain@wellsfargo.com
Justin O’Shea justin.t.oshea@wellsfargo.com
• Describe available debt financing options for public agencies
• Evaluate which tax revenue and/or financing options most align with your agency goals.
Speakers:
• Nadia Feeser, Administrative Services Director, City of Pismo Beach
• Wing-See Fox, Managing Director, UFI
• James Morris, Managing Director, UFI
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.2
10:35am - 10:55am | Exhibit Hall
Coffee Break
11:00am - 12:00pm | South Ballroom Breakout Session - Demystifying the Fed: What Every Public Finance Professional Should Know Why does the Federal Reserve seem to influence everything from interest rates to headlines—and why should it matter to local agencies? In this session, we’ll explore the origins of the Federal Reserve System, including its colorful beginnings and the foundational debates that shaped it. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the Fed’s structure—from the Board of Governors to the regional Reserve Banks and the Federal Open Market Committee—and how each plays a role in steering the U.S. economy. We’ll also break down the key tools the Fed uses to manage inflation, employment, and financial stability, and examine how its public statements can ripple through markets and municipal budgets alike. Whether you’re new to public finance or a seasoned pro, this session will help you better interpret the Fed’s actions and anticipate their impact on your agency’s financial strategy.
Learning Objectives:
• List at least two key components regarding the structure and duties of the Federal Reserve System.
• List which tools the Fed uses to shape monetary policy.
• Describe and discuss how the Fed impacts the U.S. economy.
Speakers:
• Chris Harris, PFM Asset Management, a division of U.S. Bancorp Asset Management, Inc.
• Jake Stroud, County of Monterey
• Monique Spyke, Managing Director and Head of California Practice, PFM Asset Management, a division of U.S. Bancorp Asset Management, Inc
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.2
11:00am - 12:00pm | North Ballroom
Breakout Session - Custodians as Strategic Partners: Maximizing Value Through Technology & Collaboration
Join us for an engaging fireside chat that delves into the evolving role of custodians as strategic partners and integral extensions of client operations. J.P. Morgan leaders will offer valuable perspectives and share realworld case studies illustrating how to unlock the full potential of custodial partnerships through innovative technology, automation, regulatory advocacy, and effective change management. The conversation will spotlight the transformation of custodial services in the digital age, examine the impact of digitization, and present proven approaches for successfully navigating operational transitions and regulatory changes. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen collaboration and enhance efficiency in their day-to-day activities.
Learning Objectives:
• Recognize the Strategic Value of Custodians in Public Finance
• Understand how custodians can serve as partners, helping municipalities manage assets, compliance, and operational complexity more effectively. Leverage Technology and Automation for Municipal Efficiency
• Discover how advancements in technology and automation within custodial services can streamline municipal finance operations, reduce manual tasks, and improve accuracy.
• Apply Real-World Case Studies to Municipal Challenges: Analyze examples that demonstrate how municipalities have maximized custodial partnerships to solve unique public sector challenges.
Speakers:
• Matt Liesman, Securities Services, JP Morgan
• Victoria Tadross, Head of Asset Owners Segment, JP Morgan
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.0
11:00am - 12:00pm | North Exhibit Hall AB
Breakout Session - Imagine What’s Possible with Stronger Debt Policies, Governance, and Transparency
Imagine what’s possible when your agency elevates its approach to debt policies, governance, and transparency.
Well-designed debt issuance and disclosure policies are more than compliance tools—they are strategic frameworks that strengthen decision-making, build public trust, and position agencies for long-term success.
This session explores how agencies can move beyond minimum requirements to implement comprehensive, practical debt policies that clearly define roles, responsibilities, and best practices. Participants will gain an overview of debt policy purpose, key components, and real-world application, along with a clear understanding of legal requirements under SB 1029.
The session will also introduce the CMTA Debt Policy Certification Program, demonstrating how agencies can enhance governance, standardize practices, and showcase their commitment to transparency and excellence.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify the key components and required elements of comprehensive debt issuance and disclosure policies
• Evaluate debt policy practices against legal requirements (including SB 1029) and industry best practices
• Apply practical strategies to develop, implement, and maintain effective debt policies, including alignment with the CMTA Debt Policy Certification Program
Speakers:
• Dennis Kauffman, Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer, Roseville
• Brad Neal, Partner, Stradling
• Heidi Schoeppe, President/Managing Director, Webb Municipal Finance, LLC
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.2
12:00pm -1:30pm | Center Grand Ballroom
Lunch & Legislative Update - Michael Coleman
Join us for a look at the evolving relationship between state and local government, how policy is shaped from idea to implementation, and an update on local revenues, legislation, financial conditions, and other issues of critical concern to municipal treasury professionals. Hear about the rules and trends in taxes, fees and other revenues, the relationship with the state budget, and problems and prospects for reform.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify and describe current trends and issues in municipal finance.
• Explain the possible effects of state and federal actions on municipal finances.
• Identify changes on the horizon for municipal finance in California and what local officials can do.
Speaker:
• Michael Coleman, Fiscal Policy Advisor, CaliforniaCityFinance.com
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.2
1:30pm - 2:00pm | Exhibit Hall
Dessert Break
2:00pm - 2:50pm | South Ballroom
Breakout Session - Effective Yield?, Book Return?, Total Return? Current and Purchase Yield?
Effective Yield? Book Return? Total Return? Current and Purchase Yield? What do these mean? What use are they to me? When are they appropriate to quote, and more importantly, when are they inappropriate? This session will help participants understand what each of these terms mean and why they should care, and educate them in the different approaches to communicating portfolio outcomes to stakeholders in different settings.
Learning Objectives:
• Participants will describe how yield and return offer distinct insights into investment performance.
• Participants will learn to recognize different performance measures for reporting investment results of their portfolio.
• Participants will learn when to utilize which performance measure and understand how to interpret the information they provide.
Speaker:
• William Dennehy, Co, CIO, Chandler Asset Management, Inc.
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.0
2:00pm - 2:50pm | North Ballroom
Breakout Session - New Trends in Banking Government agencies at every level are under pressure to modernize legacy payment processes while maintaining strong controls, transparency, and public trust. This session explores the key banking and payments trends shaping the public sector today, from accelerating the shift away from paper checks to secure, digital payables, to embedding fraud prevention directly into payment workflows. We’ll
also examine how embedded finance in receivables and the use of digital wallets can simplify collections, improve reconciliation, and enhance the experience for constituents and vendors. Attendees will gain practical insights into how agencies can advance their digital payments journey while meeting regulatory, audit, and budget requirements.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand how governments are advancing the paper to digital journey in payables, including the benefits of reducing check volume to improve efficiency, lower costs, and increase visibility.
• Recognize emerging fraud risks facing public sector payments and how modern banking solutions embed controls and validation earlier in the payment lifecycle to protect public funds.
• Explore how embedded finance is transforming government receivables, enabling faster collections, improved reconciliation, and better cash flow management through system integrations and APIs.
Speakers:
• Rhea Wagh, Executive Director – Payables, Global Payments & Liquidity, Wells Fargo
• Matthew Foisie, Merchant Services Consultant, Wells Fargo
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.0
2:00pm - 2:50pm | North Exhibit Hall AB Breakout Session - From Compliance to Confidence: The Future of Debt Management in an Evolving Public Finance Landscape
Designed to build confidence and consistency, this session examines how effective debt service planning and disciplined post-issuance compliance practices can strengthen financial management. Participants will review key reporting requirements, explore best practices for tracking debt obligations, and gain clarity on IRS arbitrage rebate rules. The session emphasizes practical, repeatable processes that support compliance and long-term success.
Learning Objectives:
• Develop strategies to plan for and manage debt payments in a way that supports policy goals and long-term financial resilience.
• Recognize key post-issuance reporting requirements and apply best practices to ensure ongoing compliance throughout the life of the debt.
• Gain practical insight into IRS arbitrage rebate rules and learn how consistent monitoring and timely calculations support full compliance.
Speakers:
• Brent Mason, Senior Advisory Manager, Eide Bailly
• Scott Smith, Principal, CSG Advisors
• Meline Carranza, Debt and Treasury Manager, City of Riverside
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.0
3:00 pm - 4:00pm | Center Grand Ballroom
General Session - Assembling Your A-Team: Hiring the Right Talent in the Age of AI
“Right now, someone with no experience in your field can use AI to land and ace your interview. And you won’t know until they’re on payroll.”
AI has permanently altered the hiring landscape. Candidates can now generate polished resumes in seconds, rehearse optimized answers, and even receive real-time guidance during live interviews. The result? Interview performance no longer guarantees job performance.
If your hiring process still relies on past experience, scripted behavioral questions, and resume screening as primary filters, you’re selecting for preparation, not capability.
One confident interview can cost an organization hundreds of thousands in salary, lost productivity, delayed execution, and cultural drag.
In this keynote, Kolby Goodman challenges the outdated belief that hiring is about evaluating what someone has done. Instead, he shows leaders how to assess what someone can do right now: how they analyze problems, develop solutions, make decisions under pressure, and understand long-term impact. Drawing from his experience coaching thousands of professionals on how to prepare for modern interviews while advising organizations on how to evaluate them, Kolby brings a rare insider perspective to the stage.
Leaders leave with practical ways to redesign job postings, modernize interview questions, and strengthen evaluation frameworks so they can identify real problem solvers, not just rehearsed performers. The result is faster time to impact, stronger team performance, and renewed confidence that the people you hire can actually deliver.
Learning Objectives:
• Spot the difference between polished candidates and genuine problem solvers.
• Rewrite job postings to focus on real problems to be solved, not background checklists
• Replace predictable interview questions with prompts that reveal real thinking and applied ability.
• Evaluate candidate impact potential rather than relying on past roles or AI-crafted resumes.
• Build a hiring workflow that speeds up time-to-impact and supports long-term team performance.
Speaker:
• Kolby Goodman, Founder - Lead Hiring Strategist,TheJobHuntr
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Personnel/Human Resources
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group
CPE: 1.0
4:00pm - 4:30pm | Exhibit Hall Prize Drawing
4:30pm Exhibit Hall Teardown
5:00pm - 7:00pm | Jazz Kitchen - Downtown Disney Evening Event
Friday, May 1
7:30am - 12:00pm | Center Lounge Registration Open
7:30am - 8:30am Breakfast Buffet
9:00am - 9:50am | Center Grand Ballroom
General Session - Unlocking Infrastructure Dollars: How Local Agencies Can Improve Access to State and Federal Funding Resources
Securing state and federal financing and funding for critical infrastructure projects — like water, wastewater, and stormwater systems; transportation infrastructure, local government buildings, public safety buildings, parks, etc. — continues to be a complex process for local governments, special districts, and water agencies. Along with delays or hold up with funding sources, local governments face common barriers including administrative delays, unclear documentation requirements, poor internal coordination, and misalignment with funding program expectations.
This session brings together seasoned voices from both the public agency side and the infrastructure finance side to share practical insights on how to navigate these challenges. The panel will explore the reasons behind common delays, share lessons learned from real-world experiences, and offer strategies to help public agencies improve their readiness, responsiveness, and overall success in securing infrastructure dollars.
Attendees will learn about tools and process improvements that can reduce friction in applying for and receiving grants and loans, with a focus on effective planning, internal
coordination, and meaningful engagement to access infrastructure resources.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify common challenges and bottlenecks that hinder local agencies in accessing infrastructure funding from programs such as grants or low-interest loans.
• Understand internal practices — including project planning, documentation, and interdepartmental collaboration — that can accelerate funding readiness.
• Apply strategies to streamline the funding application process and reduce avoidable delays.
• Enhance communication and alignment between agencies and funding partners to increase funding success.
• Secure better and successful outcomes in accessing financing
Speakers:
• Lina Moeller, Infrastructure loans Unit Manager, CA Infrastructure & Economic Dev Bank
• Ross Culverwell, Chief Credit Officer, California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank -Ibank
• Marc Limas, Treasurer/Operations Manager, Alta Irrigation District
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience.
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live CPE: 1.0
9:50am to 10:00am | Center Grand Ballroom
Remarks from CMTA President Nadia Feeser and CMTA Updates
10:00am - 11:00am | Center Grand Ballroom
General Session - Farmer Side Chat
Did you know the State of California accounts for more than $61 Billion in total agriculture cash receipts, nearly $26 Billion more than the next largest state? With our diverse and fertile ecosystems, agriculture arguably impacts the lives of every Californian, and therefore the finances of every region in the State. Join us for an in-depth look at California’s diverse agricultural economy and interactive discussion on the implications to budgets and employment trends.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify implications of farming trends in the U.S. and California agricultural economy for 2026 and beyond including interest rates, inflation expectations, and global growth.
• Understand and contextualize California’s agricultural revenue, export performance, and leading commodities.
• Assess the impact of trade flows and tariff changes on U.S. agriculture, especially its effects in California.
• Discuss major risks and opportunities for agriculture in 2026+, including labor, water policy, automation, and consumer trends.
Speakers:
• Jackson Takach, CFA , Chief Economist and Vice President of Strategy, Research, and Analytics, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (FARMER MAC)
• David Isaac, Director – Fixed Income and GSE Trading, Academy Securities, Inc.
Program Level: Basic
Prerequisite: None
Field of Study: Economics
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.2
11:00am -12:00pm | Center Grand Ballroom
General Session - Practical Strategies for Streamlining Revenue Collection
Local governments are under pressure to do more with less, while ensuring accuracy, transparency, and resident trust. This session explores practical ways municipal treasurers can reduce manual processes, strengthen internal controls, and simplify revenue collection. Through real-world examples, attendees will learn how simplified workflows not only save staff time but also improve compliance, forecasting, and reporting.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify common inefficiencies in revenue collection processes and practical steps to address them
• Apply strategies to strengthen internal controls while improving the resident payment experience
• Recognize how automation can reduce errors and support accurate financial reporting
• Use data from collection processes to inform forecasting and decision-making
• Evaluate opportunities to align resident expectations with agency compliance requirements
Speaker:
• Bez Sharkey, Regional Marketing Director, PayIt and Eric Delacruz, PayIt
Program Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Two years of treasury, finance, or capital markets education and/or experience.
Field of Study: Finance
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.2
12:00pm
Conference Concludes
