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INSIDE 2007-2008 Executive Committee | Outgoing President Message | Incoming President’s Message
TheAdministrator
Texas State Agency Business Administrators’ Association • Volume 25, Number 1 • September 2007
The 38th Annual TSABAA Conference was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Riverwalk in San Antonio from July 25 – 27. TSABAA committees and subcommittees worked hard to make this conference a success.
Program Subcommittee Chair Karen Campbell brought an outstanding lineup of great speakers. For example, Kelli Vito of Solutions Training
Group opened the conference Wednesday with the presentation “Goal Setting and Getting It Done.” Following Vito’s presentation, Randy Christal of the Comptroller’s office brought the group through the “Phases
of Change” while addressing some of the common emotional responses each of us have experienced during a period of change in our lives.
Mike Phelan of Deloitte Consulting discussed the shrinking pool of talented professionals and how we as government business administrators can work to mitigate the crisis and “Connect People to What Matters.” Dr. Ben Welch of Texas A&M University captivated the TSABAA group for more than three hours with an enlightening approach to achieving success not only in our professional life but also in our personal life. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Welch has been asking leaders to identify their keys to success, and he shared these basic principles
continued on page 2
TSABAA 38th Annual Summer Conference Wrap-up
20 Questions on the 80th Legislature
Welcome to the 2008-09 biennium! The 80th Legislature made a number of changes that affected agency administration during the regular session. Since the two speakers at the June TSABAA bimonthly meeting covered the aftermath of the session, this issue of The Administrator quizzes you on the obvious and obscure from the first Tuesday in January to sine die. The questions are based on the summary of Article IX of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and other bills of interest on the Comptroller’s Fiscal Management Web site (written in part by speaker Ben Strauser) and the Texas Weekly Web site (written by speaker Ross Ramsey). The answers on page 9 reference the bill number or section of the GAA (if applicable).
There were a total of 4,140 bills introduced in the House of Representatives during the regular session. What percent passed?
A. 17 percentB. 23 percentC. 26 percentD. 28 percent
A much greater of percentage of bills passed overall than in the previous regular session (79th Legislature).
A. TrueB. False
New employees will automatically participate in a 401k plan unless they opt out if they are hired on or after:
A. Sept. 1, 2007B. Dec. 1, 2007C. Jan. 1, 2008D. Sept. 1, 2008
continued on page 3
2 The Administrator | Volume 25, Number 1 | September 2007
TSABAA 38th Annual Summer Conference Wrap-up continued from page 1
that can positively affect ourselves and the people around us.
Steve Dahl also of Deloitte followed Dr. Welch’s presentation and refocused the group on more technical issues facing today’s state government administrators — government transformation.
The concept focuses on the need for organizations to rethink their back and front office operating model to external market pressures and internal challenges. To emphasize his point, Dahl provided case examples from the states
of Illinois and Minnesota in their drive for transformation.
In the afternoon of the second day of the conference, attendees had a choice between three break-out sessions:
• Statewide Data Center Services presented by Jodie Erickson of the Department of Information Resources and Tedi Wells of IBM
• State of Texas Payment Card Program presented by David Bennett of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission and Toinette Miller and Diane Taylor of JPMorgan Chase and
• Flight Services, Aviation Division, presented by Jay Joseph of the Texas Department of Transportation.
To close out the day, Teresa Foran of the Employees Retirement System
shared highlights from this year’s summer enrollment including a
legislative update and suggestions about retirement planning.
On Friday morning, awards were presented at breakfast. The conference presentations wrapped up with a panel discussion on the 80th Legislature featuring:
• Brian Guthrie of the Governor’s Office of Budget, Planning and Policy
• Don Green of the Speaker’s Office
• John O’Brien of the Legislative Budget Board and
• Sarah Hicks of the Senate Finance Committee.
To close out the conference, TSABAA President Ken Welch conducted the Annual Business Meeting and offered closing comments. Attendees at the conference received 13 hours of CPE credit.
38th Annual TSABAA Conference Crowne Plaza Hotel
Riverwalk San Antonio July 25 – 27
TSABAA
September 2007 | Volume 25, Number 1 | The Administrator 3
The 80th Legislature made deadlines related to public information requests consistent as “working” days rather than “business” days.
A. TrueB. False
State agencies are required to process employee travel reimbursements within how many days of submission (if the expenses are not in dispute)?
A. 30 daysB. 35 daysC. 40 daysD. 45 days
Since 1876, 606 constitutional amendments have gone before Texas voters with 432 being approved by the electorate. How many constitutional amendments will be voted on by Texas voters in 2007?
A. 11B. 14C. 15D. 17
The Texas Building and Procurement Commission is being renamed the:
A. Texas Facilities CommissionB. Texas Building and Infrastructure
Commission C. Texas Building CommissionD. Nothing; all duties will be absorbed by
the Comptroller’s office
Agencies are no longer required to submit requests to increase out-of-state lodging rates to the Comptroller’s office.
A. True B. False
Previous sessions have seen resolutions designate the official state dish, state tree and even state sport. In this past session, a resolution passed but was vetoed designating the state amphibian. What was it?
A. Horned frogB. Texas blind salamanderC. Barton Springs salamanderD. Mexican tree frog
20 Questions on the 80th Legislature continued from page 1
Agencies may establish policies that grant up to eight hours of paid leave each year to an employee who receives a physical exam and completes a health risk assessment.
A. True B. False
Agencies may receive what percentage of surplus property receipts?
A. 100 percentB. 75 percentC. 50 percentD. 25 percent
An agency that purchases 10 or more vehicles must ensure that at least 50 percent of them meet or exceed certain emission and fuel efficiency standards.
A. True B. False
The state auditor must consult with the head of the agency or institution of higher education before expanding the scope of an audit if there is evidence of gross mismanagement or grossly improper management oversight practices.
A. True B. False
Agencies are now prohibited from awarding a contract to anyone guilty of fraud after Hurricane Rita.
A. True B. False
How many bills did Governor Perry veto?
A. 101B. 54 C. 82D. 33
continued on page 4
4 The Administrator | Volume 25, Number 1 | September 2007
The limit for an agency’s out-of-state travel expenditures changed to the greatest of
A. 125 percent of the agency’s fiscal 2000 expenditures
B. 100 percent of the agency’s fiscal 2000 expenditures plus $10,000
C. 100 percent of the agency’s fiscal 2000 expenditures plus any excess travel expenditure amounts approved by waiver
D. Any of the above
No sections were renumbered in the new GAA.
A. True B. False
20 Questions on the 80th Legislature continued from page 3
The state budget for the biennium is how many billion?
A. $210.6B. $99.3C. $151.9D. $122.2
The TexasOnline Authority must approve the use of the fee assessed by an agency to pay the costs associated with credit, charge or debit card services.
A. True B. False
Competitive bidding is no longer required for purchases under $5,000.
A. True B. False
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR
NEXT BI-MONTHLY MEETING ON
CONSENSUS BUILDING TECHNIQUES
In this session, Jo Dale (Bearden) Guzman will discuss
how to get your team to reach consensus. Ms. Guzman
will introduce and demonstrate some common
consensus tools, including weighted voting, criteria rating
and pair comparisons. The session will wrap up with tips
for handling those difficult team members that keep your
group from reaching consensus.
TSABAA
2008 BI- MONTHLY MEETING
OCTOBER 9, 2007
1:30 – 3:30 P.M.
TRAVIS BUILDING, ROOM 1-100
INSTRUCTOR: JO DALE (BEARDEN) GUZMAN, MSCJ
MS. GUZMAN IS A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MANAGER AT THE STATE AUDITOR’S OFFICE. SHE HAS A
BS AND A MSCJ IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE.
TWO HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION WILL BE AVAILABLE
In Memoriam: We are saddened to report that Brooks Knight, who coordinated direct deposit payments to large vendors for the Comptroller’s office, passed away Aug. 4.
September 2007 | Volume 25, Number 1 | The Administrator 5
President Suzanne Tolley is a Lead
Accountant in the General Accounting
Division of the Department of Assistive and
Rehabilitative Services. She has been working
in state government for almost 18 years with
experience in travel, asset management, AFR,
LAR and budgeting. Prior to her position at
DARS, Suzanne spent 11 years at the Legislative
Council, and was the Assistant to the CFO at
the Texas Housing and Community Affairs
and the Chief Accountant at Commission on
the Arts. Suzanne plays golf with her son,
Travis, and enjoys traveling the world. Having
already been to 10 different countries, her next
adventure will take her to 5 more.
First Vice President Greg Herbert has been
the Director of Accounting for the Office of the
Attorney General since August 1994. Previously
he held the positions of Assistant Director of
Accounting and Manager of Grant Reporting for
the OAG and served as an Assistant State Auditor
for the State Auditor’s Office. Greg received
business degrees from the University of Texas
at Austin and Southwest Texas State University,
and is a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified
Government Financial Manager. In his leisure
time, Greg actively restores antique automobiles,
spends time with his wife who has put up with him
for almost 17 years and treasures every minute he
can with his 11-year-old daughter who will choose
shopping at Home Depot over buying ice cream.
Second Vice President Cecilia Whitley is
the Director of Senate Purchasing. She has worked
for the Senate over 22 years. Cecilia is currently
manager over the accounts payable functions,
contracts, procurement, receiving and office
supplies. She has three sons: Braxton who is a
peace officer with the Dallas Police Department,
Sterling who is employed with the Down Home
Ranch and Keegan who is a sophomore in
high school. Cecilia and her husband, Leon,
spend their free time between their Elgin and
Galveston homes. Cecilia was named TSABAA’s
Administrator of the Year in 2007.
Treasurer Leslee Camarillo is the
Financial Reporting Manager at the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality. She has
worked for the state for over 29 years (how is that
possible?). Most of Leslee’s state career was spent
at the Comptroller’s office where she served as
a tax auditor, a tax policy specialist, a charter
member of the Financial Reporting Section and
the Internal Accounting and Payroll Manager.
Leslee and her husband, Mariano, have two girls,
Jacki, a freshman at Texas A&M University, and
Leah, a junior at Hyde Park High School. She
spends her spare time supporting Leah’s various
sports activities and trying to be a good Aggie
mom while staying true to her Texas Longhorns!
Secretary Michael Doerr recently joined
the Financials Process Management Team in
the Office of the Chief Financial Officer at the
Department of Aging and Disabilities Services.
Prior to this position, Michael served 8 years as
Chief Business Officer and 7 years managing
and performing financial, performance and
management control audits for the Texas State
Auditor’s Office. Michael received his accounting
degree and MBA from Texas State University,
Meet Your 2007 – 2008 Executive Committee
continued on page 6
Pictured from left to right: Michael Doerr, Leslee Camarillo, Greg Herbert, Cecilia Whitley, Suzanne Tolley, Ken Welch and Pamela Scivicque.
6 The Administrator | Volume 25, Number 1 | September 2007
Answers to the 80th Legislature Questions
1. B. 23 percent
2. B. False (In both sessions, roughly the same percentage of all filed legislation passed.)
3. C. Jan. 1, 2008 (HB 957)
4. B. False (SB 175 does the opposite.)
5. D. 45 days (SB 1310)
6. D. 17 (Voting will take place on Nov. 6; one amendment, SJR 13, was already adopted by voters on May 12.)
7. A. Texas Facilities Commission (HB 3560 transfers all duties not relating to facilities to the Comptroller’s office.)
8. A. True (Article IX, Section 5.06 (c), of the GAA authorizes the reimbursing agency’s head or designee to determine the rate.)
9. B. Texas blind salamander (HCR 30)
10. A. True (HB 1297)
11. D. 25 percent (Article IX, Section 8.04, of the GAA)
12. B. False (HB 2293 only requires that 10 percent meet the standards.)
13. A. True (HB 3290)
14. A. True (SB 608)
15. B. 54 (Well short of his record of 82)
16. D. Any of the above (Article IX, Section 5.08 (b), of the GAA)
17. B. False
18. C. $151.9 billion
19. B. False (Article IX, Section 8.11, of the GAA)
20. A. True (HB 119)
✯ Linda Fernandez transferred from the Department of Information Resources (DIR) to the Comptroller’s Texas Tomorrow Fund Division to serve as Manager.
✯ Melissa Guthrie left the Comptroller’s office in August to go to Texas Health and Human Services Commission. There she will work on uncompensated care issues related to Medicaid Reform.
✯ Casey Hoffman transferred to DIR to serve as Executive First Assistant. He formerly worked for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
✯ Carolyn McKee, a longtime employee of the Comptroller’s Claims Division, retired on Aug. 31.
✯ Ginger Salone moved from OAG to DIR. She now serves as the Deputy Executive Director – Statewide Technology Service Delivery.
✯ Steve Simmons, a 25-year veteran of the Texas Department of Transportation and the Deputy Executive Director, was named Interim Executive Director. He replaces Michael Behrens who retired Aug.31.
and is a Certified Government Financial Manager and a past president for the Association of Government Accountants. Michael stays active with his cattle ranch and enjoys spending time at the lake, boating, water skiing and fishing.
Parliamentarian Sandra Woodruff is the Director of Special Projects in the Fiscal Management Division of the Comptroller’s office. She has worked in state government for over 22 years, and has spent a majority of her career working on the statewide financial systems. Sandra and her husband, Jody, enjoy traveling and fishing together.
Past President Ken Welch is the Director for System Budget and Fiscal Policy at the Department of Health and Human Services. Previously Ken was Director of the Fiscal Management Division at the Comptroller’s office, serving as the state’s chief accountant and chief revenue estimator. Ken has been in state government for over 25 years having also worked at the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission, Texas Animal Health Commission, Governor’s Budget and Planning Office and Texas Commission for the Blind. Ken is a graduate of Texas State University, and is a licensed CPA and a Certified Government Financial Manager. Ken was named TSABAA’s Administrator of the Year in 2004.
Meet Your 2007 – 2008 Executive Committee continued from page 5
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September 2007 | Volume 25, Number 1 | The Administrator 7
TSABAA
Message from the Outgoing President
As my year as president comes to a close, it has caused me to think back over all that TSABAA has meant to me throughout my state career. Believe it or not, I can still remember going to my first bi-monthly meeting in 1981. I was invited to go by my then boss Tom Griebel. That invitation opened the door to many long and lasting relationships with fellow business administrators throughout state government. I am looking forward to developing new and equally rich relationships as I continue on with TSABAA for the balance of my state career.
Before I lose the column space, I would like to express my appreciation to the members for their support this year. A special thank you to the Executive Committee — Pamela, Suzanne, Greg, Cecilia, Leslee and Michael — for keeping me on track (okay, they tried real hard). Kudos to all who served on committees. You are the lifeblood of the association. And a debt of gratitude to our committee chairs Laura (Audit), Abel (Awards), Vince (By-laws), Carla (CPE), Sandra (Membership), Suzanne (Mid-Winter), Vicki (Newsletter), Julienne and Carol (Bi-Monthly Program), Lori (Vendors) and Carol (Web site).
And what a way to go out in style at the Crowne Plaza in San Antonio. If you didn’t attend the Annual Conference in San Antonio, you missed a marvelous program. Sandra Woodruff and her committee did a superb job. They spent many months of planning coordinating and executing to perfection to bring us an outstanding conference. Thank you to Sandra, Daniel, Karen, Vince, Lori, David, Carol O and their subcommittee members for a memorable time. And for those of you who did attend, Leslee is definitely hotter. You had to be there.
Congratulations again to Cecilia Whitley on being selected the 2007 Administrator of the Year. Cecilia’s dedication, innovation and professionalism in service to the citizens of Texas and the Texas Senate have been deservedly recognized by this award.
2008 promises to be a banner year for TSABAA under the leadership of this year’s officers — Suzanne Tolley, Greg Herbert, Cecilia Whitley, Leslee Camarillo, Michael Doerr and Sandra Woodruff. They are already planning an outstanding series of programs and conferences, but they will need your help. Please consider giving back to the association by serving on a committee this year. The committee chairs’ contact information is located on the TSABAA website. You will be glad you did.
Thank you all again for a wonderful year.
Ken Welch2007 TSABAA President
8 The Administrator | Volume 25, Number 1 | September 2007
TSABAA
Message from the Incoming President
FY 2008 — here we come. As we start into the new fiscal year, I want to thank everyone for your support and confidence. I appreciate everyone who has helped make TSABAA the success that it is. For those of you who have not taken advantage of the opportunities to network and gain timely information through attendance at our bi-monthly meetings and conferences, please make an effort to do so. We plan to continue to provide relevant and useful topics for everyone.
Your officers represent a cross-section of membership. We encourage you to contact us with any suggestions, concerns or questions to enable TSABAA to provide training and support for administrators on all fronts. Contact information for each of us is listed in this newsletter and on the website. Remember — we are here for you.
Meanwhile, please visit www.tsabaa.com frequently to keep informed between meetings. And … GET INVOLVED by volunteering to serve on one of our committees. The 2008 Committee Chairs have been named, but they need your assistance. Not only will this help the association grow, but you will get so much out of it. You’ve heard me say it before but it is something I firmly believe. One of the greatest benefits of TSABAA is the camaraderie and professional relationships shared by the members. So join the TSABAA experience. Please send me an email at [email protected] if you would like to participate in a committee.
Last but definitely not least, I want to thank Ken Welch for his dedicated leadership as president in 2007. Ken has always been a great source of information, and the officers, committee members and the membership of TSABAA thank him for making 2007 a great year.
I look forward to seeing you during the year! And don’t forget about our Mid-Winter Conference January 16 – 18, 2008. See you there!
Suzanne Tolley
2008 President
The achievements of an organization are the rults of the combined effort of each individual.
— Vincent Lombardi
September 2007 | Volume 25, Number 1 | The Administrator 9
Administrator of the Year Press Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Abel Rosas (512) 475-4380 [email protected]
Director of Senate Purchasing and Supply Cecilia WhitleyNamed State Administrator of the Year
The Texas State Agency Business Administrators’ Association has selected Cecilia Whitley as
its Administrator of the Year for 2007. The coveted award formally recognizes state employees who
have demonstrated sustained outstanding
leadership and made notable contributions to the
administration of state agencies. Innovative ideas
and tenure within the state public service arena
are hallmarks of recipients of this prestigious
award, which was first presented in 1984.
Cecilia Whitley, who is Director of Senate
Purchasing and Supply, certainly is worthy of the
Administrator of the Year recognition and much
more. Cecilia is being honored for her leadership
in the Senate, and Cecilia brings a great deal of
professionalism to the business operations of
the Senate.
Cecilia created a process to track all Senate
contracts for services and leases. In 1997, she
was one of four team members responsible
for installing a new accounting system, PeopleSoft, for the Texas Senate. With the implementation of
PeopleSoft, Cecilia was able to set up a new accounting system to allow the Senate to track purchases
through the system rather than writing them down in a notebook. Over the past 10 years, she has created
several new systems, including setting up an online system that allows Senate offices to view their DIR
monthly telephone bills and their pager bills and an online system for offices to place their orders. In 2006,
the Senate implemented the Tier Performance Series, switching from PeopleSoft to a more government-
oriented system. Cecilia worked with IT to ensure that all prior feeder systems would be compatible with
the new system.
Cecilia’s selection as the 2007 Administrator of the Year is well-deserved recognition of her many
accomplishments, innovations and dedication to state service. Cecilia, as those who have received the
award before her, has made a significant and lasting contribution to improving the workings of Texas state
government. We are very pleased that she has also been very active in TSABAA for a number of years. She
volunteered for numerous committee assignments and served as Parliamentarian, Secretary and Treasurer.
2007 President Ken Welch with Administrator of the Year Cecilia Whitley and Secretary of the Senate Patsy Shaw
10 The Administrator | Volume 25, Number 1 | September 2007
CreditsEditorDavid Galanski
Contributors Lisa Braud, Kathie Grieve, Vince Houston, Jennifer Paris, Ross Ramsey, Abel Rosas, Joni Sager, Vicki Smith, Ben Strauser, Suzanne Tolley, Ken Welch, Brian Wellborn and Jesse White
Art DirectorJulie Vela
Discounts And Special Deals For State Employees*
Sprint Cellular Service – 15% off of service
Dell Computers – see website
Advantage Rent-A-Car (extends state rates for personal travel – insurance not included)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car (extends state rates for personal travel – insurance not included)
La Quinta http://www.lq.com/lq/specials/txemployee.jsp
Are you aware of other discounts and deals for state employees? If so, contact our editor.
*To the best of our knowledge at the time this newsletter was created.
Texas State Agency Business Administrators’ Association
2008 OfficersPresident
Suzanne TolleyAccountant
Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services<[email protected]>
424-4652
First Vice PresidentGreg Herbert
Director of AccountingOffice of the Attorney General
<[email protected]>475-4375
Second Vice PresidentCecilia Whitley
Director of Senate PurchasingTexas Senate
<[email protected]>463-0225
TreasurerLeslee Camarillo
Financial Reporting ManagerTexas Commission on Environmental Quality
<[email protected]>239-0299
SecretaryMichael Doerr
Financials Process Management Department of Aging and Disability
<[email protected]>438-5319
ParliamentarianSandra Woodruff
Director, Special ProjectsTexas Comptroller of Public Accounts
<[email protected]>463-4947
Past PresidentKen Welch
Director, System Budget and Fiscal PloicyDepartment of Health and Human Services
<[email protected]>424-6919
Mid-Winter Conference Reminder
Make plans now to attend the 28th Mid-Winter Conference at the YO Ranch Resort Hotel in Kerrville, Texas. The conference will be held January 16 – 18, 2008.
Plan for the 2008 Texas Fiscal Officers’ Academy
A spring 2008 Texas Fiscal Officers’ Academy (TFOA) is planned for state agency employees interested in fiscal management careers. A class of 30 will be selected from candidates with at least two years experience in the field who are nominated by their agencies. For more information, visit the TFOA Web page available off the Training page on the Comptroller’s FMX Web site.
