Page 6 - The MIL Connection: Fall 2024

MIL VP and incoming DC chapter president Paul Marshall’s background is a chock full
of professional and academic accomplishments—an MBA in International Finance
and Accounting Track from Georgetown University, a B.S. in International Affairs from
Georgia Tech (where he graduated Magna Cum Laude); he’s a CPA, a Certified Internal
Auditor, a Certified Internal Control Auditor, as well as a Certified Government Financial
Manager. Add to that a PMP and a slew of professional memberships and affiliations with
organizations like the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American
Society of Military Comptrollers, the Association of Federal Enterprise Risk Management,
the Project Management Institute, and, of course, the AGA, and you have a CV jam-packed
with success and achievement.
To commemorate his latest milestone, we asked Paul to share a few of his thoughts on his
new AGA position and the road ahead.

How do you feel about being chosen as the next DC Chapter president of AGA?
Paul Marshall: I am definitely excited, I’ve been an AGA member for quite a while and this
has always been one of my goals. I’ve made many friends and connections in AGA and look
forward to leading the Chapter this year.

How did you come to be selected? For example, is there a nomination process, a
selection panel, or some other mechanism?
PM: Yes, there is a nomination process. Any active member of the Chapter can submit
themselves as a candidate for the position. The submission should describe why you would
be a good candidate. For President, they are typically looking for somebody who has served
on Chapter committees, understands the administrative aspects of running a chapter, and of
course shares the vision of providing benefits to members and advancing the profession.

What does the position entail?
PM: Quite a lot, setting goals for the year, and providing input into and approval for the
activities for the year (luncheons, member events, training events, and much more). If possible,
the President tries to achieve a couple special initiatives for the year and of course mentor the
President-Elect.

Do you have specific plans for your tenure? And if so, can you share a few details?
PM: Timely question as we are drafting the strategic plan for the new year right now. My
biggest goals are to increase government member participation in events and on the Board.
They are pretty active already in the DC Chapter, but since COVID, I would say participation
has dropped a bit. In general, I’d like to increase in-person attendance at our monthly
luncheons and trainings, as well as providing some new topics/speakers for those events. Pre-
pandemic, we had close to 200 folks at each luncheon, the last few years we have been peaking
at around 100. I also want to do a better job measuring performance to ensure the events and
training we provide are valuable and meeting the needs of our 2,000 members.

How long have you been a member of AGA, and how has it benefited you (e.g., what’s
the most important result or advantage from your membership (professionally or
personally)?
PM: I just checked and I’ve been a member since May 2007, so 17 years! I tell people all the
time, and I’m serious when I say that I would not be where I am today without AGA. All the
professional and personal friendships I’ve built through AGA have been invaluable. It’s an
organization that gives back as much as you put in.

Who else would benefit from an association with AGA?
PM: Anybody serious about a career in government financial management needs to be a
member and participate! That includes State, local, Federal, and private sector. If you want to
grow your career, AGA will help you build relationships. If you just want to excel in your field,
AGA will provide you opportunities for training and certifications.

6 | the MIL connection | fall 2024