Walsh College Presents Fiscal Accountability for Public Sector Leaders

Elections are over, but financial issues continue to plague many Michigan municipalities. As the area’s premier educational institution for accounting and finance, Walsh College is hosting a half-day session on the fiscal responsibilities for the public sector on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Walsh College Novi Campus.

Walsh faculty and government finance experts will discuss their experiences and insights of state emergency manager laws and municipal bankruptcy, as well as how overlooking various budgetary red-flags by local leaders can have dire consequences. The presenters will also highlight available resources for struggling municipalities, as well as critical decisions and strategies recommended that all municipalities and school districts can use to maintain their fiscal health.

“We are honored to host this informative session for the municipal leaders in our region,” said Professor Daniel S. Hoops, Walsh College Accounting and Tax Department Chair. “It will be a one of a kind assembly of some of the best minds in government and school finance who have experienced these issues from all perspectives.”

Expert presenters include:

·         Louis Schimmel, Jr., former emergency manager for Ecorse, Hamtramck and Pontiac

·         Cathy Square, emergency manager of the City of Hamtramck

·         John Naglick, CPA, CFF, Walsh College accounting professor and Detroit finance director

·         Drew Van der Grift, Esq., State of Michigan, Department of Treasury, Office of Fiscal Responsibility and Walsh College alumnus

·         Maria Gistinger, Ph.D., CPA, Walsh College accounting professor and assistant superintendent of finance at Brighton Area Schools

·         Bob Daddow, CPA, Oakland County deputy executive

·         Katherine Konon, CPA, CGMA, Walsh College accounting professor and former assistant superintendent of financial services at Mt. Clemens Community Schools

“Because we are all affected by what happens in our surrounding communities, all officials and employees of local governments, school districts, public authorities, and commissions are invited to attend. We think it is important for municipal leaders to hear about the consequences of decisions that were or were not made by voters and officials that led to successes and failures in our neighboring school districts and cities,” added Hoops. “There are turnaround strategies that work, methods for maintaining a balanced budget, and resources to help avoid financial distress. Nothing is worse than sitting on your hands doing nothing, so we wanted to bring these experts and their voices together.”

Tickets are $50 for the public, $25 for Walsh alumni, and $15 for Walsh students. Seating is limited, and registration is required. Continuing education credit is available for individuals with certifications.

For more information and to register please visit http://www.walshcollege.edu/FinPublicLeadersConference.

WALSH COLLEGE
Founded in 1922, Walsh College is a private, not for profit institution offering upper-division undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees and certificate programs.  One of Southeast Michigan’s largest business schools, Walsh has locations in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township and Port Huron, as well as online. Walsh’s business services division offers the Walsh Institute, which provides solutions for businesses through training, continuing education and consulting. Walsh is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org; phone: 312-263-0456) and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE, www.iacbe.org). The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, www.acbsp.org) accredits specific degree programs.

CONTACTS:
Brenda Meller/Walsh College Assistant Vice President of Marketing bmeller@walshcollege.edu or 248.823.1205
Alicia Boltach/Account Supervisor at Airfoil Public Relations boltach@airfoilgroup.com or 248.304.1453.