Conference of the County Investment Academy

Vendor Payment Fraud - A Timeline of Lessons Learned
After nearly losing $888,000 in a vendor payment fraud attempt in 2017, the Harris County Auditor's Office implemented a number of robust controls that, to date, have thwarted over $3 million in additional fraud attempts. This session will cover a timeline of events that have occurred since 2017, including lessons that continue to be learned about business email compromise (BEC) and the controls necessary to mitigate the financial and reputational risk that these types of fraud schemes present to local governmental entities.

Ms. Leslie Wilks Garcia, CPA, M.Jr., First Assistant County Auditor, Harris County

Tales from the Crypto
Since its introduction in 2009, Cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly mainstream and government entities are facing the realization that it will likely impact the way that they conduct business. This session will provide an overview of how governments are beginning to incorporate cryptocurrency into their business model, a quick tutorial on crypto-terminology, and why Texas is becoming known as "Bitcoin Country."

Mr. Tim Pinon, Consultant, Valley View Consulting, LLC

The Economic Outlook for the Texas Economy
This session will offer a perspective on the current state of the Texas economy and the factors influencing future growth, including major policy issues. Mr.
Perryman will also summarize his projections for key economic indicators as well as the industries and geographic areas likely to lead the way.

Dr. Ray Perryman, President/CEO, The Perryman Group

Inflation: Practical Considerations and Prospects
Should we be planning for a continued elevated rate of inflation? Will the Fed's current monetary policy actions bring inflation into check?  In this session we examine these questions and look at current market measures of inflation expectations.

Dr. Holland Toles, Senior Lecturer, McCoy College of Business Administration, Texas State University

What to Do in a Rising Rate Environment
In a rising rate environment, it is critical to have an adaptive strategy as markets transform. Having a strategy, being nimble and positioning your portfolios appropriately will assist in successfully navigating this rising rate environment.

Mr. Wes Rager, CPA, Portfolio Manager, Invesco

Cyber Security for Everyone
This session will explore practical skills for the non-technical user that you can take with you, to minimize the likelihood you will ever fall prey to a Cyber attack! We will also discuss real-world examples of recent incidents and exploits, as well as provide an open forum for your questions and comments about threats and how to avoid them.

Mr. Sean Trachtman, Cyber Security Analyst, Cochise County IT (Bisbee, Arizona)

Fed Fund Rates VS Local Government Investment Pool's (LGIP) Pool Rates
In this session there will be a review of all Texas Local Governmental Investment Pools (LGIP) and how they coincide with Fed Fund rates. Will review Govt Pools VS Prime Pools.

Mr. Tony Sekaly, Regional Director – Marketing, Texas CLASS

Bond Financing — A Behind-the-Scenes Look
This session will provide a detailed overview of the roles that each service provider plays in connection with a typical bond financing. The session will also include an update of relevant new laws enacted during the 87th legislative session that relate to bond election and financings.

Mr. Derrick Mitchell, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP

A Banking Deep Dive
Fees with the new rate environment, new and changing services and evaluating your choices is the focus of this session.

Ms. Linda Patterson, President, Meede4r Public Funds | Patterson Group

• Small Portfolio: Less than $25 million (Ivy Room)
• Medium Portfolio: $26 to $99 million (Moody I Ballroom)
• Large Portfolio: $100 million or more (Vine Room)

Fixed Income: Economist Update and Opportunities
Join PNC as they discuss the current market conditions and the driving forces that impact Texas county investments.

Mr. Kurt Rankin, Vice President and Senior Economist, PNC Capital Markets LLC
Ms. Marlena Stevens, CTP, Liquidity Investments Group, PNC Capital Markets LLC

Advanced Liquidity Management
This presentation will focus on how to obtain a clear picture of your liquidity needs, how to use data to communicate those needs to internal & external stakeholders, and how to meld cash flow management into liquidity management.

Mr. Garrett McDonald, CTP, FPAC, Senior Vice President, three+one
Mr. Mike Ablowich, Vice President, three+one

Economic Update
Hear the latest on the economy and what important events are on the horizon.

Dr. William Chittenden, CTP, Associate Professor of Finance, McCoy College of Business Administration, Texas State University

Public Funds Investing: The Final Challenge
Come prepared to use your knowledge of public funds investing with this interactive quiz game. Bring your A-game to compete in multiple choice questions that are designed to test your knowledge on what was presented the last day and a half. Questions will also cover investment risks, controls and compliance with the Public Funds Investment Act. In addition to bragging rights, the top three winners will receive cool prizes.

Mr. Carlos A. Pereda Jr., Dimmit County Auditor
Mr. Jeff May, Denton County Auditor