By DebtBook
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The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.
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 Tyler Traudt 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 for Chicago’s vast transit system, and how coordination between the RTA and its sister agencies—CTA, Metra, and Pace—is essential for managing public transit services across the metropolitan area.
Kevin also shares his approach to future-proofing his team, encouraging staff to continuously question their methods and think strategically about their roles. His leadership balances innovation with operational efficiency, offering valuable lessons for anyone in public finance, transportation, or leadership.
Featured Guest
Kevin Bueso is the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Deputy Executive Director of Finance, Innovation, and Technology at the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois. Kevin is responsible for overseeing the financial strategies and operations of the RTA, providing crucial leadership at a pivotal moment for the region’s transit system. His areas of focus include financial planning, budgeting, treasury operations, IT strategy, and capital project management.
Before joining the RTA in 2023, Kevin served as Chief Financial Officer for McHenry County, where he contributed his expertise in strategic financial management, change management, and succession planning. His extensive background in local government finance spans roles such as Finance Director for the Village of Round Lake Beach and Assistant Director of Finance for the City of Waukegan, where he gained deep experience in fiscal oversight, budget development, and internal controls.
Kevin holds both a Bachelor’s and an MBA in Accounting & Finance from Roosevelt University. He is actively engaged with professional associations and was instrumental in establishing the Illinois Chapter of the Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN). Fluent in Spanish and originally from Honduras, Kevin brings a unique and global perspective to his work in public finance.
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Join us for an insightful episode of Where Public Finance Works, featuring Melissa Moore, the Finance Director for Buncombe County, North Carolina. Host Tyler Traudt 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 challenges, and how her team focuses on maximizing taxpayer dollars through smart cash investments and long-term financial forecasting.
This episode sheds light on the critical role of finance in local government, from managing bond proceeds to planning for future capital projects.
Featured Guest
Melissa Moore is the Finance Director for Buncombe County Government, a role she has held since September 2023. With over 15 years of experience in public finance and local government, Melissa has developed expertise in managing government bonds, overseeing budgetary processes, and fostering financial strategies for municipalities.
Before joining Buncombe County, Melissa served as the Director of Finance for the City of Pflugerville, Texas, where she led financial operations for over two years. Her career also includes positions such as Assistant Director of Finance for the City of San Marcos, Texas, and Finance Program Manager at CPS Energy, one of the largest municipally-owned utilities in the U.S.
Melissa's well-rounded experience in financial planning, debt management, and government budgeting positions her as a leading voice in public finance, ensuring that government resources are allocated effectively to benefit the community.
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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 Tyler Traudt 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 a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the retail and manufacturing sectors. During her 13 years at Purdue University, Denise served as Director of Treasury Operations, where she oversaw cash management, investment partnerships, and debt issuance. Her tenure there deepened her expertise in municipal debt and compliance, while she played a vital role in maintaining the University’s financial health by freezing tuition rates and optimizing financial strategies.
Denise’s journey then led her to VCU, where she embraced the role of Treasurer. She shares insights into the unique challenges of managing finances in a smaller, more constrained environment, including the innovative establishment of a quasi-endowment to strengthen VCU’s financial stability. Throughout the episode, Denise highlights the importance of innovation, imagination, and adaptability in the world of finance.
Featured Guest
Denise Laussade is a finance professional with a distinguished career in higher education treasury operations. Her most recent role was as Treasurer at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she was responsible for managing debt, investments, cash, and collections for a university serving over 30,000 students. Her tenure at VCU was marked by her strategic approach to financial management, which included the innovative use of quasi-endowments to bolster VCU's financial stability.
Prior to VCU, Denise spent nearly 15 years at Purdue University, where she served as the Senior Director of Treasury Operations. At Purdue, she oversaw a broad spectrum of treasury functions, including daily cash management, banking relationships, and credit card services.
In addition to her roles in higher education, Denise has held leadership positions at Darden Restaurants and Dan River Inc., where she honed her skills in corporate finance and strategic planning. Her diverse background and commitment to continuous improvement have made her a respected leader and mentor in the finance community.
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In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the community of Hendersonville, NC alongside Brian Pahle, Assistant City Manager. Join host Tyler Traudt 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 support a safer community. This episode provides a window into how these initiatives not only improve safety but also integrate with economic and community development.
Listeners will gain an inside view of the challenges and triumphs in managing a city known for high-quality service delivery and strategic financial oversight. Discover how Brian and his team’s innovative approach has significantly boosted public safety measures, making Hendersonville a model of effective local governance.
Featured Guest
Brian Pahle serves as the Assistant City Manager of Hendersonville, North Carolina, a role he has held since August 2017.
Brian began his professional journey after earning a master's degree in Public Administration from Appalachian State University. His career in Hendersonville began as a Budget & Management Analyst, progressing to Budget & Evaluation Director before assuming his current executive leadership position.
In addition to his city roles, Brian has played a significant part in shaping budgetary practices across North Carolina. His leadership in the North Carolina Local Government Budget Association is marked by his tenure as President and his progression through various executive positions, reflecting his deep commitment to excellence and innovation in governmental budgeting.
Brian's expertise extends into effective municipal management, budget planning, and fostering community engagement.
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In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the dynamic operations at JEA with Randall Barnes, 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 Tyler Traudt 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 electricity generation and distribution, hedging gas prices, and ensuring operational efficiency. He speaks on the importance of simplicity in financial planning and the critical role of process improvements and staff education in achieving long-term strategic goals.
Listeners will gain an understanding of how JEA operates as a community-owned utility, balancing the need to provide reliable and affordable services while supporting economic growth in Jacksonville. Randall also highlights the significant efforts made during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the local community, including innovative financial programs and robust disaster preparedness plans for hurricane season.
Join us for an inside look at how Randall and his team at JEA navigate the challenges of public finance, making a meaningful impact on the community they serve.
Featured GuestRandall Barnes is the Treasurer at JEA. His extensive career began with an MBA in Management Information Systems and a B.S. in Marketing from Tennessee Technological University.
Randall’s career includes over 16 years at the Tennessee Valley Authority, where he held positions such as Senior Program Manager for Corporate Investments and Finance, and Senior Securities Analyst. In 2015, he joined the City of Jacksonville as Senior Debt Manager and later advanced to Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer.
Since August 2022, Randall has served as the Treasurer at JEA in Jacksonville, Florida. He oversees an array of financial functions, including treasury operations, debt management, investments, rating agency communications, cash forecasting, and more.
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In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, 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 Tyler Traudt 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 the smaller, impactful projects in rural areas that have created jobs and improved community facilities.
Barnet also shares his experiences in running portfolios, explaining the intricate balance between analyzing investment values and understanding the broader benefits for investors. He then takes listeners through his time at Neighborly Investments, where he worked on the cutting edge of technology and impact investing. He explains how technology, especially blockchain, is transforming the municipal bond market, offering new opportunities for accessibility and efficiency in public finance.
Tune in to hear Barnet's thoughtful perspective on how public finance is evolving, the role of technology in enhancing financial processes, and his unwavering commitment to improving communities through strategic financial management. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of finance, technology, and public service.
Featured Guest
Barnet Sherman is a financial expert with over 30 years of experience managing multibillion-dollar portfolios for prestigious firms such as Morgan Stanley and TIAA. Throughout his distinguished career on Wall Street, Barnet also founded his own hedge fund and has written extensively on the capital markets as a Senior Contributor for Forbes.
Currently a Professor at Boston University, Barnet leverages his extensive industry experience to impart practical, real-world insights in his Corporate Finance, Accounting, and Multinational Finance and Trade classes for graduate students. His expert opinions on investing and capital markets have been featured in leading publications including The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Bloomberg, The New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Education, CNBC, and Inc.
Barnet also leads The Tenbar Group, a consulting firm advising public companies, private equity impact fund portfolio companies, and mission-driven startups in the healthcare, senior care, and housing sectors. His firm specializes in strategic transactions, investment banking, finance, business development, and valuations.
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In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, 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 responsibility.
Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he introduces us to Mark's philosophy on leadership and governance. You’ll learn about Mark's strategic initiatives during his tenure as Mayor of Kansas City, where he focused on improving the city's financial health, reducing crime, and managing significant infrastructure projects. Mark's leadership saw Kansas City through the Great Recession, achieving the best financial condition in decades and a notable reduction in crime rates.
Mark also reflects on his post-mayoral career and his continued work in public finance and governance, including consulting and teaching, and his ongoing belief in the transformative power of effective public administration. His experience illustrates how effective governance can lead to better community outcomes and financial stability.
Featured Guest
Mark Funkhouser, president of Funkhouser & Associates, is a distinguished municipal finance expert with decades of government service. As the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, during the Great Recession, Mark made pivotal decisions to guide the city toward fiscal sustainability. His extensive experience as an auditor—coupled with his recent role as publisher of Governing magazine— has established him as a trusted advisor to government officials nationwide.
Mark holds a master’s degree in social work from West Virginia University, an MBA from Tennessee State University, and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in public administration and urban sociology from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
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In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, 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, Tyler Traudt, as he explores David's approach to leading his team through complex challenges. Learn how David's leadership philosophy focuses not just on the 'what' and 'how' of operations but significantly on the 'why,' enhancing his team's engagement and effectiveness. David’s strategic initiatives, especially in capital planning and fiscal management, emphasize transparency and proactive fiscal stewardship, which have been important in managing the county’s substantial budget and capital projects worth billions.
David also opens up about the personal side of his job, from how his son perceives his work to the deeper satisfaction that comes from knowing the tangible impact of his efforts on community infrastructure and services. Prepare to be inspired by a finance leader who’s not just keeping the books but rewriting them to better serve his community. This episode not only highlights the strategic role of financial leadership in government but also humanizes the profound impact such roles have on the quality of life in urban environments.
Featured Guest
David Boyd, Chief Financial Officer of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, holds an impressive track record in public and private sectors. Since August 2021, David has directed the financial operations of Mecklenburg County, overseeing a comprehensive array of functions including capital and debt planning, investments, accounting, payroll, procurement, grant management, and payables. His role extends to providing strategic financial support to various county departments, enhancing their efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
David's tenure in Mecklenburg is marked by his adept management of complex budgets and his innovative approach to public fiscal administration. Prior to his current role, he made significant impacts as the Finance Director for the City of Durham, North Carolina, starting in 2010, and the City of Thornton, Colorado, where he served in multiple capacities including Tax Auditor, Controller, and Finance Director for over nearly 13 years.
A proud alumnus of South Dakota State University, David holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. His commitment to continuous professional development is evident in his credentials as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
Free Playbook: How Local Governments Are Preparing for the FDTA
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the remarkable journey of Martin “Marty” Feinstein, 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, Tyler Traudt 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 uncle's advice steered him into the world of public finance. Marty recounts his transition from programming to financial analysis, and how the arrival of PCs and evolving technology shaped the industry.
Listen along as he details the profound shifts in bond pricing technology, from the Monroe Bond Calculator to the dominance of Bloomberg terminals. Marty candidly discusses the impact of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, which threw municipal finance into tumult, and how it prompted changes in refunding bonds and the entry of analytical databases.
As he reflects on his later roles and working with his team at DebtBook, we learn how Marty’s legacy is defined by a commitment to progress and the ability to harness knowledge for continuous improvement.
Featured Guest
Marty Feinstein is the Managing Director of Finance Product & Enablement and Head of Data Analysis/Excel Model Development at DebtBook. He first entered the Public Finance field in 1980 as a computer programmer at First Boston Corporation. In 1995, Marty joined Smith Barney (later to merge with Citi) where he became a director and headed the Finance Structuring Group within the Public Finance Department.
Marty also worked for Global Financial Markets Institute as a consultant responsible for training clients in general Public Finance knowledge or Excel cash flow modeling. In April 2020, Marty joined DebtBook to help the team design and build user-friendly internal models to speed data entry of client information and train staff in general Public Finance knowledge.
Download Now: The Issuer's Guide to Modernizing Debt Management
FREE PLAYBOOK: How Public Finance Teams Can Prepare for the FDTA
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, Tyler Traudt, 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 life on campus by fostering environments conducive to academic success and personal growth. He shares the careful process of increasing campus housing capacity, achieving the addition of over 2,300 beds, while emphasizing the need for affordability and quality.
Through Matt’s narrative, we gain insights into the holistic impact of well-designed living spaces on student retention and satisfaction. His commitment to balancing cost-efficiency with the creation of vibrant communities shows the far-reaching benefits of strategic planning in higher education.
Featured Guest
Matt Dull is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, holding a diverse portfolio that includes Administrative Services, the Child Development Center, Electronic Student Services, University Housing, Staff Development & Strategic Initiatives, Student Affairs Assessment, and Student Affairs Capital Projects.
With a distinguished career in higher education administration, Matt has served in pivotal roles, including Director of Administrative Support Services from July 2010 until his promotion to Assistant Vice Chancellor. His extensive experience extends internationally, having held positions such as the Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Appalachian and Director for the University of North Carolina System Office at Fudan University in Shanghai, China.
The podcast currently has 18 episodes available.
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