Type Of Business:
City government
Marketing Area:
Local; Seattle-Tacoma Region
Expertise:
Budgeting; Project management; Special projects; Presentations; Teaching
Major Product/SVS:
Government services and programs
Hobbies/Sports:
Rock collecting; Hiking; Stream fishing; Being outdoors
Education Degrees:
Master's Degree in Public Administration, University of Washington, with High Honors (2006); Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Saint Martin's University, with High Honors (1994); AAS in Mathematics, Tacoma Community College (1991)
Affiliations Awards:
Washington Finance Officers Association; Government Finance Officers Association
Charity:
Volunteer, Local Christian Church
Number Of Years In Profession:
19
Number Of Years In Current Position:
2
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her perseverance, commitment to what she is determined to do, and her desire for her daughters to see what can be achieved, so they can believe in themselves.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession when she was still earning a bachelor's degree, had a background in bookkeeping and was working in the private sector. She realized that the public sector would provide better opportunities and growth and that she could climb the ladder quickly.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Palmer considers her perseverance in the face of odds to be of significant value and doesn't like to give up on things or say 'no' too soon. She was a high school dropout who went back to finish her degree while raising an eight-year-old daughter and a four-year-old daughter. She also passed the CPA exam on her first try, which less than 10 percent of people do. Ms. Palmer started as an account clerk to an accountant, then moved on to become an analyst, then a senior analyst and a financial manager. Then she became a budget analyst, a budget officer and is now a senior financial manager.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Managing the general government accounting division, overseeing capital projects, grants, and federal awards; Overseeing the comprehensive financial report, and preparing and publishing it; Supervising a staff of 16; Overseeing the city's automated financial management software and the processes for it
Education Certifications:
Certified Public Accountant (1997)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Palmer will possibly move into consulting.