September 2007 ASMC Washington Chapter Newsletter
ASMC Washington Chapter, P.O. BOX 16237, Arlington, VA 22215-1237
ASMC - Washington Chapter
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A Five Star Chapter
September 2007
Date: 13 SEPTEMBER 2007 MEETING Time: 11:30Am Place: pENTAGON CONFERENCE CENTER
Sponsored by: DFAS
President’s Message
President, ASMC Washington Chapter
I recently saw a quote from Buckminister Fuller, an innovative architect and inventor. He said: “There is no such thing as a failed experiment, only experiments with unexpected outcomes.” Our ASMC chapter is going through a period of healthy experimentation as we pilot two changes to how we do business. We will soon learn whether these experiments will produce expected or unexpected outcomes. Either way, the learning experience will be valuable to us.
The first pilot program deals with our lunchtime training events. On September 13th, our traditional luncheon is replaced by having a speaker at a new location (the Pentagon Conference Center), without a lunch, and during a shorter timeframe. Our hope is that this change will increase the convenience, and thus participation, of these important events. Please provide your opinions on the post-event survey; and if you are unable to attend or have additional comments, please send them directly to me at ranae.woods@pentagon.af.mil. We will return to the Holiday Inn on October 17th and then back to the PCC on November 27th. Your feedback is critical to making the right decision for our organization. The Executive Board will evaluate all your feedback and decide on the path for 2008 training events – Holiday Inn or Pentagon Conference Center, and with or without meals.
The second pilot involves adding a Defense Intelligence Agency sub-chapter to our Washington Chapter. DIA has some unique requirements which can be satisfied under a sub-chapter format. We developed a charter for the pilot and will compile lessons learned over the next year. If this succeeds, we will seek membership concurrence to change our Constitution and by-laws to institute this as a permanent part of the Washington Chapter structure. I wish a warm welcome to our new DIA members!
Ranae Woods
Washington Chapter President
Today’s Speaker: Ms. Teresa McKay, Principal Deputy Director,
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Topic: "DFAS Support and Outlook: Today and into the Future"
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|Ms. Teresa (Terri) McKay became the Principal Deputy Director for the |
|Defense Finance and Accounting Service on August 10, 2006. |
|In this capacity, she supports the director in the oversight of the |
|day-to-day accounting and finance activities of the Department of Defense.|
|DFAS employs about 13,000 DoD civilian and military personnel at 20 |
|locations throughout the United States, Europe and the Pacific. Each |
|year, the agency disburses over $424 billion by processing over 143 |
|million pay transactions to over 5.9 million military, civilians, retirees|
|and annuitants; 13.8 million commercial invoices and 7 million travel |
|vouchers and settlements. Responsible for 878 active DoD appropriations, |
|DFAS is the trust fund manager for $20.9 billion in foreign military sales|
|and $255 billion in military retirement and health benefit funds. Each |
|year, it processes 57 million general ledger transactions and handles |
|accounts for worldwide operations and multidiscipline appropriations of |
|DoD. |
|Prior to assuming her current position, Ms. McKay served as the Defense |
|Department’s Deputy Chief Financial Officer, the principal advisor to the |
|Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer for |
|accounting and finance matters. She was responsible for developing and |
|implementing DoD-wide accounting, finance, and general financial |
|management policies. Ms. McKay oversaw the compliance with financial |
|management policies, promoted strong internal controls, and facilitated |
|improvements in financial management throughout the Department. One of |
|her primary duties in this regard was the oversight of the planning and |
|implementation of the department’s Financial Improvement and Audit |
|Readiness plan. She directed the preparation and submission of audited |
|financial statements, the publication of the department’s Performance and |
|Accountability Report, and numerous other accounting and finance |
|documents. Ms. McKay served as a member of the United States Chief |
|Financial Officers’ Council and represented the Department on various |
|other inter-Agency groups and councils. |
|Ms. McKay is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Government |
|Financial Manager and earned her bachelor’s degree from Ferris State |
|University in 1982. She earned her master’s degree in business |
|administration from Auburn University at Montgomery in 1992. |
|Ms. McKay is a leader committed to improving financial management through |
|improved business processes and incorporating the accounting, finance, and|
|internal control requirements for strong DoD end-to-end business |
|processes. |
|Ms. McKay has over 20 years of experience in financial management |
|providing her with the depth and breadth of knowledge and experiences |
|necessary to successfully fill the demanding role as deputy director. |
FEATURE ARTICLE
Decision Support - An Innovative Approach
By Diana Benoit
DFAS Financial Specialist
For many years, the Federal Government has actively prepared its workforce for management responsibilities. The Department of Defense (DoD) has been a leader in this effort, with emphasis on better training and education for its military and civilian leaders to help them manage effectively and efficiently. Such programs are becoming increasing important because of the complex environment resulting from transformation, improved technology, and the ever-shrinking defense budget.
A key component to any successful leader is being proactive in meeting the ever-changing challenges of an agency/service's vision, goals, transformation, performance metrics, and other strategic challenges. According to John G. Vonglis, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management), "The Financial Manager of the future will be expected to offer expert decision support, provide first-rate financial services, and promote technology like never before."
Leaders rely on their personnel to provide necessary information to resolve these challenges; however, leaders do not always have the time and knowledge to analyze all the information available to make rational and informed decisions. As an aid to resolving this situation, the Defense Financial Management and Comptroller School (DFM&CS) at Eaker College for Professional Development, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is teaching and leading the way with an innovative approach.
Why start this effort in the DoD Financial Management arena? The answer lies in the perception that the decision support provided by many Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Comptrollers is seen as non-value added. Those who were demanding answers to non-important questions, harping only on performance metrics, or pointlessly questioning expense claims are not helping the organization achieve its mission. However, in today's environment, CFOs or comptrollers are expected to be risk management experts and to meet new challenges with lower costs and fewer people. They must respond rapidly to commanders and directors on the resource impacts of transformation, new threats, and emerging opportunities. They must recruit and keep talented people, produce innovative products and services for customers as well as continuously improve their overall operational performance. Financial leaders need to be skilled communicators, especially when discussing strategies, accounting, budgeting, or analytical results. They need to provide alternative solutions to their leaders.
This new approach to an old idea in the financial management field is now making its way across the DoD. It provides financial management Decision Support to leaders, whether in a financial or non-financial role. Many leaders complain that there is not enough time for decision support or they do not have the tools for forecasting capability. They lack the knowledge of how to reduce costs; struggle with too many performance measures; and do not have risk management expertise. Leaders must think creatively and take risks; they are expected to provide effective responsiveness to change. They must lead from the front and look toward the future for ways to improve processes or best ways to use resources.
For the variety of reasons listed above, leaders should take the initiative and include their financial personnel in initial planning sessions. Taking this first step, results in better decision support being implemented from the beginning. When financial experts are included in these planning meetings, they can better translate the financial aspects of decision-making into operational impacts.
Decision Support can be defined as "enabling people to make informed decisions that optimize resources and mission effectiveness". At DFM&CS, the Decision Support concept is outlined as a two-phased process providing "leaders with viable alternatives, financial and non-financial impacts of choosing an alternative, a well supported recommendation, and a method for implementing the leader's direction”.
In phase one, advisors combine information, tools and techniques to understand the environment and analyze the issue to be decided. In phase two, advisors use their analysis to develop and clearly communicate their projections, alternatives, and impacts and make recommendations in a concise, actionable, and timely manner for decision.
The DFM&CS Decision Support Model contains five building blocks leading to effective Decision Support.
Before any type of effective decision can be made, the issue must be clearly identified. This means describing as clearly and precisely as possible the "core" or "root" concern. The issue can be defined as the element or situation that, if changed, can reduce the difference between the current situation and the desired outcome. By investing the time and effort identifying and understanding the issue, the advisor can then focus resources on the appropriate cause - not external factors or symptoms.
After defining the issue, the financial manager must then analyze it and the environment surrounding it from all angles; define and evaluate potential solutions for the issue; and estimate the costs and benefits of the potential solutions. Impacts (operational consequences), whether they are financial or non-financial, positive and negative, are considered as well. The financial manager will also need to be able to distinguish between the facts and opinions when determining the best alternatives.
Once the best alternatives are developed, they are presented clearly and concisely to the commander or director along with the rationale utilized to prioritize the alternatives. Included with the alternatives is a statement of the issue (concern) as well as a clear rationale for the proposed solution, including assumptions used and risk involved. The financial manager must be ready to provide details concerning the development of alternatives, their evaluation and a tentative implementation plan for the recommendation.
Following implementation of the decision, a good financial leader will take the next step - evaluate the process. Did the problem go away? What worked and what did not? What lessons were learned? What changes need to be made for the next time? What new problems did the solution create?
The role of the Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller is sophisticated, complex, and diverse due to the transformation, right-sizing the military, and Global War on Terrorism. He/she must be concerned about budget cuts or expansions, antiquated accounting systems or new commercial off-the-shelf programs as well as other new analytical methods. The Comptroller/Financial Manager's advisory position on a commander or director's staff is more significant than ever. The commander of the future must be provided with the costs and operational impacts of alternative courses of action for the decision making process to be successful.
The Financial Managers being trained today need the essential skills for Decision Support and they need Decision Support as part of their toolkit for future success.
ASMC Chapter Executive Leadership
If you are interested in the following vacant committee chair position, please contact President Ranae Woods:
-Community Service Chair
Congratulations to our new chapter officers, elected and returning officers, returning and new Committee Chairs.
Member Accomplishments
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|New Washington Chapter CDFMs | |
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|Sherry Harrington | |
|Christina Kelly | |
|Lisa Reuter | |
|Hettie Smith | |
|James Wais | |
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|UPCOMING EVENTS |
|Date |Event |
|03 Oct 07 |Executive Board Meeting 11:30 – 13:00 |
|17 Oct 07 |Meeting Hosted by Army |
|18 Oct 07 |DFAS CFC Golf Outing |
|20 Oct 07 |Community Service for the USO |
|17 Nov 07 |Community Service for the USO |
|27 Nov 07 |Meeting Hosted by USAF |
|06 Dec 07 |USMC Holiday Social |
|06 Mar 08 |Mini PDI, Ronald Reagan Bldg |
CONGRATULATIONS
- The winner of the August Luncheon Raffle was: Donna Martin, Field Support Activity (Navy)
- Congratulations to CALIBRE, a member of the Washington Chapter and the 2007 Corporate Member of the Year.
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Next Luncheon 17 Oct 2007
Topic: TBD
Guest Speaker: Mr. John J. Argodale, SES, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (DASA), Financial Operations
Place: Holiday Inn, 2460 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314
Sponsor: Army
Social Time: 1130 hrs
Lunch: 1200 hrs
For the most updated information on future events, please visit our website at:
Future Luncheons
27Nov USAF Pentagon Conference Ctr
06 Dec USMC ( Holiday Social
TBD Jan NAVY
Community Service—
Volunteer Opportunities
On August 25th, volunteers from the ASMC Washington Chapter descended on the USO Care Package warehouse on Ft. Belvoir for a fun and rewarding day of community service. Together with other volunteers from several other area organizations, ASMC Washington Chapter volunteers put together 15,000 USO care packages in less than five hours for troops serving overseas. Special thanks to Amy Anda, Susan Huffaker, and Shirley Simpkins for taking time to make a difference and represent the ASMC Washington Chapter so well.
Upcoming Community Service Opportunities
OCTOBER - Join the ASMC Washington Chapter on Saturday, October 20th from 9 AM to 3 PM at Ft. Belvoir as we put together USO care packages for troops serving overseas. No experience is required - just a desire to help and have fun. Breakfast and lunch are provided and prospective members, family, and friends are invited (Note: All volunteers must be at least 13 years old). Space is limited - RSVP to Amy.Anda@ no later than Wednesday, 3 October 07.
NOVEMBER - Join the ASMC Washington Chapter on Saturday, November 17th from 9 AM to 3 PM at Ft. Belvoir as we put together USO care packages for troops serving overseas. No experience is required - just a desire to help and have fun. Breakfast and lunch are provided and prospective members, family, and friends are invited (Note: All volunteers must be at least 13 years old). Space is limited - RSVP to Amy.Anda@ no later than Wednesday, 31 October 07.
About the USO: For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services.
Contact Amy.Anda@ or (703) 325-6123 for chapter community service events.
SUPPORT THE
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DFAS 2nd Annual CFC Golf Outing
DFAS is hosting their 2nd Annual Combined Federal Campaign Golf Outing, Thursday, 18 October 2007. Come, join the fun at the Ft Belvoir Woodlawn course, and help raise funds for the CFC. Cost is $90 per golfer and includes green fees, cart, lunch, and prizes. Mulligans will be sold for 3/$10. A Pay-As-You Go Beverage Cart will be available. Registration is from 0800 – 0900 hours and Tee-Off is at 0930 hours. Individuals and teams are welcome. The format is Captain’s Choice. To sign up contact Jimmy Davila, 703-607-0171 or Jerry Shea, 703-607-3021. Sign up closes 15 October 2007. Do not be left out, sign up early. All proceeds go to the Undesignated CFC Fund with distribution according to regulations.
Save the Date -- 06 March 2008
National Capital Region Mini PDI -- Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Washington, D.C. – Thursday, 06 March 2008.
Keep abreast of the latest updates on this and other chapter events by signing up to receive Washington Chapter announcements via email. Use the following web address.
EXCITING ASMC ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY!!!
ASMC Washington Chapter will now permit up to four corporate advertisements to be included in our monthly newsletter, which is distributed at our monthly meetings as well as posted on our chapter website. It is a terrific opportunity for corporations to "extend their reach" and gain visibility within the Defense Financial/Resource Management community at large - and do so very economically.
A full-page color ad is only $100 a month!!! If you commit to advertise for the entire year upfront, the cost is only $1000!!!
There is only room for up to four corporate advertisements per newsletter - so act now to be included in this timely and effective communications channel to your targeted audience!
Please contact Deb Del Mar, ASMC Corporate VP for further information: debra.delmar@vanguard- or 703-593-6667 cell
ASMC National News
Would you like to earn free CPE credits by listening to or watching selected workshops and Service Day sessions from PDI 2007? Now you can by accessing ASMC's PDI Online. If you complete a session, you may self-certify for CPE credit or, in some cases, you can take a short test and get a CPE certificate. Just go to and follow the directions on the screen. In addition, charts from many of the workshop sessions are available for download in the same area.
Check it out!
Future PDIs
2008 - Orlando, Florida
2009 - San Antonio, Texas
2010 - Nashville, Tennessee
2011 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
2012 - Anaheim, California
ASMC Audio Conference
Do not miss the next audio conference, taking place on Tuesday, 23 October 2007 at 2 pm EDT. The presentation will be a discussion of FISCAL LAW ISSUES that arise on a recurring basis at DoD installations. Topics will include food, bottled water, conference fees, commanders’ coins, the ever-popular trinkets, and much more. The discussion also will touch on any major fiscal law issues arising out of the Fiscal Year 2008 Authorization and Appropriation Acts, as appropriate. A handout will be provided and a live question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
The presenter is Keith M. Dunn, currently an Associate Counsel in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller). He is the Department of Navy’s senior lecturer in fiscal law. Mr. Dunn has received outstanding reviews for his fiscal law presentations at recent PDIs. Mr. Dunn holds degrees from Furman University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the George Washington University, and Baltimore Hebrew University. In September, he will assume the position as Counsel to the Navy Surgeon General/Chief of the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
The registration fee is $99 per phone line. ASMC charges to cover the costs of putting on the conference. Your room capacity is the only limit to the number of participants that can listen on one line. Each participant earns one CPE credit for each 50 minutes of the total presentation and question and answer session. They are estimating the conference to last from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the length of the presentation and the number of questions.
Registration information is available at the ASMC website .
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Washington Chapter Officers for 2007- 2008
|Name |Title |E-Mail |Phone |
|Ranae Woods |President |Ranae.Woods@pentagon.af.mil |(703) 697-5313 |
|Justin Moul |Secretary |Justin.Moul@pentagon.af.mil |(703) 602-9263 |
|Deborah Cann |Treasurer |Debbie.Cann@pentagon.af.mil |(703) 604-0402 |
|Carol Phillips |OSD Vice President |Carol.Phillips@osd.mil |(703) 693-6503 |
|Lucy Williams |OSD Asst Secretary |Lucy.Williams@osd.mil |(703) 571-9183 |
|Robert Benefiel |DFAS Vice President |Robert.E.Benefiel@dfas.mil |(703) 607-3799 |
|Jacquelyn Kelley |DFAS Asst Secretary |Jacquelyn.Kelley@dfas.mil |(703) 604-2143 |
|Col Byron L. Cherry, Sr |Army Vice President |Byron.Cherry@hqda.army.mil |(703) 602-7717 |
|Jackie Williams |Army Asst Secretary |Jackie.Williams8@us.army.mil |(703) 695-5357 |
|Beverly Veit |Navy Vice President |Beverly.Veit@navy.mil |(202) 685-6703 |
|Veronica Trent |Navy Asst Secretary |Veronica.Trent@navy.mil |(202) 685-0454 |
|Marcia Case |USMC Vice President |Marcia.Case@usmc.mil |(703) 692-5508 |
|Myra Ragan |USMC Asst Secretary |Myra.Ragan@usmc.mil |(703) 692-5406 |
|Roxie Anthony |Air Force Vice President |Roxanne.Anthony@pentagon.af.mil |(703) 614-4603 |
|Tina Miller |Air Force Asst Secretary |Tina.Miller@pentagon.af.mil |(703) 588-5231 |
|LCDR Robert Hart |USCG Vice President |Robert.E.Hart@uscg.mil |(410) 762-6483 |
|Susan Connors |USCG Asst Secretary |Susan.D.Connors@uscg.mil |(202) 372-3628 |
|Debra Del Mar |Corporate Vice President |Debra.Delmar@vanguard- |(571) 203-7137 |
|Amy Anda |Corporate Asst Secretary |Amy.Anda@ |(703) 325-6123 |
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