Thoughts on another successful AGM

First of all, I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation to the 160 members of the FI Community that joined the ACFO team at our annual general meeting in Ottawa. Every time members of our group come together I’m reminded just how diverse and engaged our community really is. I’m proud to be part of this incredible group of financial professionals and I hope you are too.

I also want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to my dear colleague Karen Hall, a long-standing member of the ACFO board who chose not to seek re-election this year. Karen was a driving force behind our pay equity initiative, among many others, and her commitment to fairness and equality in our group is truly an inspiration that will carry on.

I’d also like to congratulate Dany Richard and Rob Hawkins on their re-election to the board, with Dany moving over to replace Karen as Executive Vice President. But mostly, I’d like to welcome Richard Rizok to the Board and thank Alan Howie for putting his name forward for election as well. Competitive elections force all of us to think hard about how we represent the FI Community and the board is healthier as a result of them.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the hardworking ACFO staff for their efforts in making this event such a success, year after year. A lot goes into making sure that we are all informed and up to date on the business of the association and that we’re able to cast our votes and come together as a community. The team at the ACFO office is the best in the business and we’re lucky to have them.

With the calendar flipping over to December I know many of us are looking forward to taking some down time to celebrate with family and friends. I know I’m looking forward to reflecting on the many blessings that I enjoy and I want you all to know that I count all of you among them. It’s truly an honour to represent this community and I want to end by sharing a few words from a former member of our community.

Last week a former member of our group emailed our office to share her thoughts on what it meant to be part of the FI Community:

“I’m writing to thank ACFO for its dedication to the support and development of the federal public service finance officer community in a respectful, professional fashion. I may not always agree with union ideology, but I always appreciated the efforts of a rational and motivated ACFO team.”

To me, these comments represent exactly what I believe ACFO should always aspire to be. We know that we won’t always make decisions that 100% of the community will agree with. However, we will always aim to represent you professionally and respectfully.

After all, the FI Community is known for its professionalism and respect. Reflecting that is the least we can do.

Milt Isaacs, CPA, CMA, CPFA
President and Chair of the Board of Directors
Association of Canadian Financial Officers