Chapter Officers
Sabrina Wells is the Director of Financial Services for the Kansas Insurance Department, headed by Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger. Her daily responsibilities are linked with overseeing the Department’s $8.0 million annual operating budget and accounts receivables totaling more than $130.0 million each year. Before coming to work for the Insurance Department, Sabrina was a Principal Budget Analyst for the Division of the Budget and prior to that worked as an administrative analyst for the City of Topeka. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas and received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Wichita State University.
President-Elect, Larry Barrett (785) 296-8028
Larry is the Audit Manager for the Kansas Health Policy Authority. He is a C.M.A., Certified Managerial Accountant. He has a BA from Friends University, an MBA from Wichita State University; an MS from the University of Kansas and attended the Walton Institute at the University of Arkansas. He previously worked for the Larned State Hospital as its Chief Accountant and worked in the private sector for firms including Cessna, Wal-Mart, SAFELITE Glass Corporation and The Profit Recovery Group International. He also owned his own company, Auditing Services, Inc. Larry has grown children, enjoys distance running, classic cars, travel, concerts and theatre.
The President Elect serves for a three year commitment, first as President-Elect, then as President, and then as the Immediate Past-President. The primary responsibility of the President-Elect is to Chair the Professional Development Conference Committee.
Immediate Past-President, Brandi Baer (785) 296-6800
Brandi Baer is the 2007-2008 Immediate Past-President. She is currently working as a State Auditor in the Office of the Inspector General of the Kansas State Department of Transportation. Brandi received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Washburn University in May of 2003 and received her Master of Business Administration from Washburn University in December of 2004. At present Brandi is studying for the CPA exam.
Walt was born and raised in South Dakota, spent a couple years in the US Navy during the Vietnam conflict, then returned to South Dakota to attend the University of South Dakota. He received two bachelor degrees at the University and took his first professional job in Pierre, South Dakota, the state capitol. With a desire to obtain more professional education, Walt moved to Indiana, where he obtained his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Indiana University. Walt worked in finance for five years as the Assistant Dean for Finance in the University Library System. In 1984 he was offered a position with the Governor's Budget Division in Kansas. This position offerred a unique role in government. The doors to the back rooms were opened as legislators, lobbyists, and executive staff debated strategies for moving State government forward and the methods for financing the strategies identified. After twelve years, Walt was hired as the Chief Finance Officer for the Kansas Highway Patrol, from which he retired in September 2006.
Secretary, Marti Leisinger (785) 233-8200 4307
The Secretary takes minutes of meetings and maintains the histortical records for the organization. One of the hardest tasks in any organization is remembering from one year to the next, and one group of volunteers to the next, just what has happened in the past. Knowing the past helps Chapter leaders to focus on the future.
Chapter Directors
Education Chair - Professional Lecture Series: Scott Alisoglu (785) 368-1611
Scott Alisoglu is a Funding Resource Analyst for the City of Topeka’s Public Works Department. Scott has been with the City since March of 2004. Prior to that he served as Director of Fiscal Services for the Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority from 1997 – 2004, and as a Budget Analyst in the Kansas Division of the budget from 1993 – 1997. Scott received a Bachelor of Science from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan in 1991, a Master of Public Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 1993, and has completed course work toward a Master of Business Administration from Washburn University in Topeka.
Community Service: Nickie Roberts (785) 296-7917
Nickie Roberts, an accounting specialist with Department of Administration, Accounts and Reports. She has been an active member of AGA since 1998. In membership year 1999-2000, she was elected as "Member of the Year". Currently, she serves as our Community Service Chair. Previous state employment was with Kansas Bureau of Investigation from 1976 to 1997.
Nickie received her Associates of Science Degree from Allen County Community College in 2002. Nickie also serves as Treasurer on the Fox Ridge Cooperative Townhouses Board of Directors and as secretary for the Heartland Association of Cooperative Housing Association in Kansas City, Missouri. She has one son, Brandon, who resides in Topeka.
Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Program Chair: Nick Kramer (785) 368-8249
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AGA provides the CGFM certification on an international basis. This year, AGA is working hard to encourage persons to obtain the CGFM certification. Special intensive training sessions are available at the national meetings, and examinations are available there for free to those taking the intensive sessions. This certification has become the national standard for governement finance professionals. Nick has volunteered to assist others in obtaining this important certification.
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Dawn is a Financial Analyst for the Kansas Insurance Department. Prior to this position as a Financial Analyst she was an Accountant III, also for the Kansas Insurance Department. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Washburn University in December 2003.
The Membership Chair is the principle communicator between the Chapter and its members. This position recruits new members, encourages current members to stay members, and coordinates with regional and national membership coordinators on monthly and quarterly conference calls. An important element of this position is keeping the Executive Committee up to date on a monthly basis of any changes that take place and of success with recruiting efforts.
Chapter Recognition Program: Melinda Richter (785) 296-4452
Melinda Richter is a December, 2000 graduate of Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. She worked for a private CPA firm prior to being recruited by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to take over as their Grants Manager. Melinda tracks the Chapter's activities, capturing the points available from the national organization for activities directed in accordance with the vision of the national organization. Melinda assists in programs and the direction of the Chapter to help assure conformance with the National vision.
Bylaws: Fred Baer (816) 316-4830
Fred is a student at Washburn University majoring in business.
The Bylaws Chairperson reviews the Bylaws of the organization and proposes changes to keep the Bylaws consistent with the AGA National Bylaws and with the activities and functions of the AGA Topeka Chapter.
Awards: Randy Bailes (785) 272-8681, ext 207
Enlisted in the Air Force shortly after high school graduation and served on Active Duty from October 30, 1968, through June 2, 1976. Randy joined the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard in June 1976, and retired at the rank of Captain in March 1994.
Began working for the City of Topeka in September 1976, as a Staff Accountant in the Water Utility. Completed the CPA exam in May 1984 and left City employment in February 1985 to broaden base of experience in a local CPA firm.
In August 1993, returned to the Water Utility as the Senior Accountant, and transferred to the Central Accounting Division of the Financial Services Department in January 1995 as Senior Staff Accountant responsible for all enterprise fund accounting.
Topeka Mayor Joan Wagnon appointed Randy to the City Controller’s position in October 1997. Responsibilities included supervision of the personnel accounting (payroll), accounts and reports, accounts receivable, capital project accounting, debt management, and accounts payable functions. In December 2000 Randy was appointed by then Mayor Joan Wagnon to the Director of Finance position. Randy continued to serve in this position through the terms of Mayors Wagnon, Felker, Pomeroy, and part of Mayor McClinton’s tenure in office, leaving in September 2004. Randy was responsible for the administration of the Financial Services Department, which includes the City Controller Division, Cash Management Division and the Contracts & Procurement Division.
Randy has most recently served as the Director of Fiscal and Human Resources for the Kansas Historical Society Since August 2005. He will retire from governmental service in September 2007 and begin a new career in real estate sales.
Professional affiliations: American Institute of CPAs
Kansas Society of CPAs
Association of Government Accountants
Granted Association of Government Accountants’ Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) certification in October 1994.
Randy and his wife Colene have been married for nearly 35 years. They have one son, Jacin, and one grandson, Jacob Michael.
The Awards Chairperson is responsible for ensuring the Chapter is recognized for its efforts in accordance with the catagories available for such recognition. Awards are usually submitted once annually and include catagories such as Education, Community Service, and Chapter CGFM Award.
Communications - Newsletter Editor, Kathy Bohnhoff (785) 296-7894
Kathy Bohnhoff is originally from Mitchell, South Dakota. She received her Bachelor of Education Degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She received her Masters in Business Administration from Washburn University in Topeka. She has taught at both the high school and college level, most recently at Doane College in Nebraska. She worked for the Department of Administration, Division of Accounts and Reports for six years, and is presently an Accountant for the Kansas Insurance Department. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). In addition to working for AGA, Kathy also volunteers as a mentor with Florence Crittenton. She is completing the license requirements for foster care. She lives in Topeka. As the Treasurer for the Topeka Chapter, she reviews all financial transactions and sits on the Chapter Executive Committee, the body that establishes policies to implement the Bylaws and conduct routine business. The position of Treasurer is elected on an annual basis, and in accordance with the Bylaws, the incumbant cannot be re-elected.
Audio Conference Chair: Linda Farlow (785) 272-8681
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Linda Farlow is an Accountant with the Kansas State Historical Society and Museum.
The Audio Conference Chairperson is responsible for coordinating the conduct of the audio conferences for the Chapter. These duties relate to the reserving of a room, obtaining telephone services, connecting to the national call service, and following up should any problems develop.
Web Site Development and Maintenance: Walter V. Darling (785) 286-3457
The Topeka Chapter's new web site was developed, and is hosted by, the Information Network of Kansas. Walt is working as the web master, making changes and adding information. If you have information you would like to have on the site or find errors, please let Walt know. You can contact him at 785-286-3457 or email him at Walt_Darling@hotmail.com
Walt was born and raised in South Dakota, spent a couple years in the US Navy during the Vietnam conflict, then returned to South Dakota to attend the University of South Dakota. He received two bachelor degrees at the University and took his first professional job in Pierre, South Dakota, the state capitol. With a desire to obtain more professional education, Walt moved to Indiana, where he obtained his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Indiana University. Walt worked in finance for five years as the Assistant Dean for Finance in the University Library System. In 1984 he was offered a position with the Governor's Budget Division in Kansas. This position offerred a unique role in government. The doors to the back rooms were opened as legislators, lobbyists, and executive staff debated strategies for moving State government forward and the methods for financing the strategies identified. After twelve years, Walt was hired as the Chief Finance Officer for the Kansas Highway Patrol, from which he retired in Sept. 2006. Walt is the current Regional Vice-President for the Midwestern Region, and is also a past president of the Topeka Chapter.
Midwestern Region Officers
Regional Vice-President, Walter Darling (785) 286-3457
The Regional Vice-President is responsible for a four-state region within AGA, including Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. Within that Region are eight AGA Chapters. They are located in Lincoln, Omaha, Des Moines, Saint Louis, Jefferson City, Springfield, Kansas City, and Topeka. Walt's responsibility is to coordinate activities of the Chapters and assist in their development. In addition, the RVP can move thoughts and ideas forward to the national level for implementation on a nationwide basis. If you have suggestions for AGA, please call Walt or email him with your ideas.
Regional Coordinator for Membership, Brandi Baer (785) 296-6800
The Regional Coordinator for Education is part of a six-person regional team that is responsible for the communication between Chapters of the Region. Brandi's responsibility as a part of this team is the development of information and the development of dialog regarding "best practices" used by Chapters to recruit new members.
