Message from NASC's President
Section: NASC




Thank you all for the opportunity to serve as the president of the National Association of State Comptrollers. I consider it an honor to have worked with so many wonderful people over the course of the past year, and I look forward to visiting with you all at the NASC conference in Montgomery, Alabama, this March 21-23.

In order to encourage attendance, the NASACT Executive Committee has extended its travel assistance program for this conference. NASC members or their designees are eligible to receive up to $750 in travel assistance to attend. Don’t forget to take advantage of this offer.

Montgomery is the capital city of Alabama and the second largest city in the state. The city has a rich history, notably becoming the center of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. I look forward to experiencing the beautiful weather and famous southern hospitality during our stay. 

The Program Committee has put together a wonderful set of sessions, roundtables and other opportunities that address issues facing state comptrollers today. Sessions will include:
  • Updates from GASB and NASBO
  • Federal and State Issues
  • Digital Technologies
  • Tax Reform Impact on States
  • SWCAP Issues/Concerns
  • Producing Faster CAFRs
  • Security and Privacy Concerns
  • Roundtable Discussions

In addition to these topics, there will be a tour of the state capitol building on Thursday evening. Alabama’s capitol is over 150 years old and has been listed as a National Historic Landmark since 1960. The capitol has served as the site for numerous significant events, and we look forward to the chance to learn more about the history of Alabama through this visit.

Working with the NASC Executive Committee has been a great source of knowledge and support. Their passion for promoting transparency, innovation and accountability in government finance is second to none. Please help me thank this team for serving NASC this year:
  • Vice President: Alan Skelton, State Accounting Officer (GA)
  • Secretary/Treasurer: Steve Barnett, State Auditor (SD)
  • Immediate Past President: Anna Maria Kiehl, State Comptroller (PA)
  • Stacy Neal, Director of Accounting (MO)
  • Brandon Woolf, State Controller (ID)
  • Lynne Bajema, State Comptroller (OK)
  • Doug Cotnoir, State Controller (ME)

I took over the role of president after the sudden passing of Alabama State Comptroller Thomas L. White, Jr., who passed away on January 19, 2017. Tom was extremely active in the association from the time he became comptroller in 2010 and was always generous with his wisdom and friendship. We will certainly miss Tom as we come together in his home state of Alabama.

NASC depends on leaders such as yourself to generate excitement about participation in committees and informational groups. Taking part in these groups helps build our professional network and shared knowledge that we need to stay informed on new issues, changing regulations and the day-to-day issues facing state government financial leaders. Your participation is so important to our continued growth and education. Thank you to each and every one of you who contribute your time to these important discussions.

I would also like to take a moment to recognize some new state comptrollers who have joined us since last year’s NASC conference:
  • Dana Call, State Comptroller (NH)
  • Jay Cleveland, Chief Operating Officer, State Accounting Enterprise (IA)
  • Jane Cole, Director, Division of Accounting (DE)
  • Adam Greshin, Commissioner, Department of Finance and Management (VT)
  • Kelly O’Sullivan, Director, Division of Finance (AK)
  • Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer (FL)

On a personal note, I would like to thank NASACT for the support that has been provided to me over the course of my tenure as the Wyoming state auditor. The connections and network I have established through involvement with NASACT have been invaluable. I cannot encourage financial officers enough to get involved with this organization. You will not regret it!

I look forward to seeing you all in Montgomery at the 2018 NASC conference.  


  
Cynthia I. Cloud is the elected state auditor (comptroller function) of Wyoming. She is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and the Wyoming State Board of Certified Public Accountants. Ms. Cloud has over 16 years in public accounting and is a successful business owner. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama with a bachelor of science degree in accounting. She is president of the National Association of State Comptrollers.