Grant Centralization & Education Funding in NC with Lee Plunkett
Release Date: 12/04/2023
Leadership in Chicago’s Public Transit Operations with Kevin Bueso
Where Public Finance Works
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we meet Kevin Bueso, Chief Financial Officer at the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from Honduras to leading finance operations at one of the country’s largest transit oversight agencies. Join host as he explores Kevin’s strategic initiatives to address the challenges of post-pandemic public transit, the ongoing fiscal cliff, and the role of technology in transforming operations. Kevin discusses the unique challenges the RTA faces as an oversight and funding agency...
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Managing Growth and Public Trust in Local Government with Melissa Moore
Where Public Finance Works
Join us for an insightful episode of Where Public Finance Works, featuring Melissa Moore, the Finance Director for Buncombe County, North Carolina. Host explores Melissa’s unique transition from the private sector to public finance, sharing how her analytical background and experience in financial planning have driven meaningful change in local government. Melissa discusses her journey from Texas to North Carolina, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her strategic approach to financial planning and cash flow management. She explains how Buncombe County is handling growth and public trust...
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Innovating Treasury Operations in Higher Education: Lessons from Denise Laussade
Where Public Finance Works
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the remarkable career of Denise Laussade, a distinguished leader in university treasury operations with roles at both Purdue University and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Join host as he uncovers the deep-seated love for dance and music that has been a guiding force in Denise’s life. These artistic passions have seamlessly intertwined with her career in finance, providing a unique perspective. Denise’s professional journey spans different industries, from futures trading in oil, gold, and silver at Texaco to handling...
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Shaping a Safer Community: Strategic Public Safety Enhancements with Brian Pahle
Where Public Finance Works
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the community of Hendersonville, NC alongside Brian Pahle, Assistant City Manager. Join host as he engages Brian in a thought-provoking discussion about his impact on public safety and fiscal management, along with his leadership in transforming the city's administrative landscape. Brian shares his ascent through the ranks from a budget intern to his current role, where he focused on overhauling the city’s public safety protocols. His story includes strategic enhancements in fire services, emergency response, and infrastructure to...
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The Strategic Role of Treasury within Utility Authorities with Randall Barnes
Where Public Finance Works
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the dynamic operations at JEA with , the Treasurer who has been steering the financial helm since August 2022. Randall's journey from a small town in East Tennessee to managing billions in Jacksonville’s public utilities is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the public finance sector. Host breaks down Randall’s role, from overseeing debt management and cash forecasting to maintaining strong relationships with rating agencies. Randall shares insights into JEA’s financial strategies, including the complexities of...
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The Dynamics of Municipal Markets with Barnet Sherman
Where Public Finance Works
In this episode of , join us for a captivating conversation with Barnet Sherman, a financial expert and Professor at Boston University. With over 30 years of experience managing multibillion-dollar portfolios at Morgan Stanley and TIAA, Barnet brings his knowledge and fascinating insights into the world of public finance. Host takes us through Barnet's extensive career, starting from his early days as an analyst to his significant role as a portfolio manager. Barnet reflects on the diverse projects he's been part of, highlighting not only the large-scale transactions for major cities but also...
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Building Trust for Better Community Outcomes with Mark Funkhouser
Where Public Finance Works
In this episode of , we’re joined by Mark Funkhouser, an expert in government finance and urban management. From growing up in West Virginia to finding an interest in political science in Pennsylvania, discover the path that led Mark to become a pivotal figure in Kansas City's administration. His career spans various roles, including social worker, director of the Performance Audit Group in Tennessee, and City Auditor in Kansas City. Through each position, Mark shares the importance of using government as a force for good, improving lives through effective management and fiscal...
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From the Ground Up: Empowering Finance Teams with David Boyd
Where Public Finance Works
In this episode of , join us for an enlightening conversation with David Boyd, the Chief Financial Officer of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina—a region experiencing rapid growth, adding 127,000 to its population since 2020. David shares his journey from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the dynamic financial world of Mecklenburg County. From his initial steps in finance as a young auditor to rising as a leader influencing major fiscal strategies, David's career has been driven by a passion for impactful public service and a dedication to innovative financial management. Join our host, ,...
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The Evolution of Municipal Finance Technology with Marty Feinstein
Where Public Finance Works
In this episode of , we explore the remarkable journey of , an influential figure in the fusion of public finance and investment banking technology. Born and bred in New York, Marty’s story begins with his early exposure to computing at Jamaica High School, training on an IBM 1030 mainframe, and progresses through his ascension in the field post completing his master’s from Albany State. Join our host, as he guides us through Marty's story from his foundational programming work at International Paper, creating a forest-yielding algorithm, to his pivotal role at First Boston, where his...
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Public-Private Partnerships for Debt & Asset Management with Matt Dull
Where Public Finance Works
FREE PLAYBOOK: In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we’re joined by Matt Dull, the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University, where he details the complexities of university finance and infrastructure. Join our host, , as he guides listeners through Matt's two decades of innovative leadership, which has significantly shaped the University's living spaces and financial strategies. Matt recounts his efforts in elevating student living standards through creative public-private partnerships (P3). These initiatives have helped redefine residential...
info_outline“You want a community where people want to live here, work here, and play here, and to know you had a part of that is pretty important.” - Lee Plunkett
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we unravel the unseen world of public finance through the compelling journey of Lee Plunkett, Assistant CFO at Forsyth County in North Carolina. Discover the diverse path our guest has taken in his finance career, as Lee shares his unique story—from the Illinois Department of Corrections to a stint in retail banking, and a pivotal role in the Governor’s Office. Lee takes you into the strategic financial management practices of Forsyth County, exploring detailed approaches to debt financing, the significance of two-thirds bonds, and crucial decisions in the realm of investments.
Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he uncovers the challenges faced by public finance teams, including staff turnover and the impending retirement cliff, while highlighting the rewarding role of delivering essential services and progress to communities.
Lee’s insights, from his excitement for budgets to the creation of a centralized grants program, offer a behind-the-scenes look into the often-unseen world of public finance.
Click here to access the full show notes.