Black History Month - 2022

"WCW" - Women Celebrating Women

 Northeast Women in Public Finance would like to highlight and acknowledge accomplished Black Women all over our industry who continuously crush goals and glass ceilings. This is our small way to celebrate the contributions of some of the extraordinary Black Women who everyone should know.

For Black History Month we will be highlighting two women per week.

WEEK ONE

   

LISA MARIE HARRIS
San Diego Water Authority
Director of Finance/Treasurer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-marie-harris-a0a1a212/

HEATHER McDANIEL WILLIS
Siemens Financial Services
Vice President, Senior Risk Manager/Underwriter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-willis-85002512/

 

 WEEK TWO

   
 SARAH BROWN
City of St. Paul, MN
Debt Manager

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbrown1/

 TIPHANY LEE-ALLEN
Moody's Investors Service
Senior Vice President
ESG Product Manager

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiphany-lee-allen-7673664a/



WEEK THREE

LATREESE CALDWELL
Kendall County
Deputy County Administrator

https://www.linkedin.com/in/latreese-caldwell-mba-20031275/

RENA NICOLE CONNOR 
Hilltop Securities, Inc.
Managing Director, Institutional Sales - Fixed Income Capital Markets

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rena-connor-904b2126/

 

WEEK FOUR

   
STEPHANIE NEELY
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Managing Director, Head, North America Institutional Central and Canada

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-d-neely-ba8a1938/
CHARLENE BUTTERFIELD
S&P Global Ratings
Senior Director & Analytical Manager

www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-butterfield-6539a62a

 


LISA MARIE HARRIS

About me:

I currently serve as the Director of Finance/Treasurer of the San Diego County Water Authority. My prior experience played a pivotal role in my appointment to the Authority. Prior to joining the Water Authority, I served as Chief Deputy Treasurer for the County of San Diego Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office; Executive Director of CA Debt and Investment Advisory Commission (CDIAC); Assistant Deputy Airport Director for the City and County of San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport; and most recently Senior Vice President for Siebert Brandford Shank LLC. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Economics from University at California, Berkeley and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan.

On being a Black woman in this industry:

I love what I do, why? I have a daily opportunity to demonstrate Black excellence. I strive to perform at my greatest level possible while remaining humble and willing to grow and develop. I attempt to demonstrate daily to the world that we deserve a seat at every table.

Fun fact:

I am a member of the San Diego Foundation Black Council Investment Fund (BCIF) advisory council serving as Chair of the Workforce Development Pillar.  See this recent article published by the San Diego Foundation sharing my role on BCIF: https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/pursuing-equitable-employment-opportunities-for-black-san-diegans-a-conversation-with-lisa-marie-harris/

Favorite advice:

Be a lifelong learner and pursue a life of a servant leader. These pursuits will encourage growth and development while remaining humble and wise.


HEATHER McDANIEL WILLIS

About me:

I work at the international conglomerate Siemens AG, specifically Siemens Financial Services, where I underwrite directly placed loans to not-for-profit entities for major capital projects. While my current focus is on health care, I have also evaluated the credit risk of higher education institutions, museums, orchestras, zoos, and independent schools, accessing the capital markets for debt financing. The dollar volume of deals I have analyzed reaches well into the billions. I started my career in credit risk after business school in Citibank’s credit training program 20 years ago. The business cycles over the last 2 decades have directly impacted my career, moving from corporates to tax exempt and giving me opportunities to manage credits in deep distress. It has been a wild, but very interesting ride.

On being a Black woman in this industry:

Maybe because I used to teach high school (see fun fact), I have made it a point to lift as I climb and mentor junior staff, peers and even managers. There aren’t a lot of us and it's hard being the “only” on a team. So it's important to me that we feel seen heard and empowered.  When managed appropriately, our differences are what make any team better. So I make it a point to mentor my fellow BIPOC colleagues. However, I don’t limit my mentoring along ethnic and racial lines. I do this because I have had so many white mentors who helped me. One of my current mentees is a young white male colleague. We have created a space for us to learn about our cultures and perspectives (while doling out professional advice). I feel it will pay future dividends in building collegial relationships in an increasingly diverse work place for both of us.  Lastly, I learn so much from my mentees – new approaches to problems, new information or pop culture stuff that makes me stay hip! (is that still a cool word to say?)

Fun fact:

I used to teach high school math (algebra) at a small public school in Harlem and advise kids on getting into college. I run into and have stayed in touch with my “kids” who are in their 40’s now and they still call me Ms. Mac.

Favorite advice:

Under Promise and Over Deliver – I struggle with this. I also like – “you can’t boil the ocean.” Both statements are pretty much saying the same thing. I am a classic “biter off of more than I can chew.” Many of us in this industry are like this. We want to be next level with that presentation at work. If you have kids, then you want to nail it on the PTA. We want to be on fire with our community engagement or with things we do to feed our soul be it  . . . church, the gym, hobbies or all of the above, BUT we are human. I might get away with biting off too much for a while, but I will “choke.” Something is going be late or get messed up because like Murphy’s first law says, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” I think its about being thoughtful or mindful. I have to and we have to be deliberate in planning space for rest and quiet and not feel guilty about it (looking at you parents out there). Give ourselves realistic deadlines with cushion for stuff to go wrong.


SARAH BROWN

About me:

I am the Debt Manager for the City of St. Paul, Minnesota. I am primarily responsible for managing a $500 million debt portfolio. Prior to joining the City, I worked as a Debt and Compliance Analyst for the Debt Management Division at Minnesota Management and Budget, and as an Estate Tax Auditor for the Minnesota Department of Revenue. I hold a Master of Public Administration from Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, International Political Economy and Chinese from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. I am also a board member on the Women in Public Finance - Minnesota Chapter and the GFOA Capital Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee.

On being a Black woman in this industry:

As you may have guessed, there are very few women of color in the industry here in Minnesota, let alone black women. When I was struggling to advance professionally and wanted advice from a black woman, I had to reach out to a woman from a different state. Luckily, she took my call and answered all of my questions. So as a black woman in public finance, I feel the need to lift up other women and people of color. I want to be their soundboard, ally, mentor, sponsor and champion. I want to be the person that I was looking for in Minnesota.

Fun fact:

I was selected as a 2021 Bond Buyer Rising Star! https://www.bondbuyer.com/news/sarah-brown

Favorite advice:

Always keep learning! Education is the best investment you can make in yourself. Also, say “yes” to unexpected opportunities. It’s amazing what doors will open for you.


TIPHANY LEE-ALLEN

About me:

In my current role, I am lead strategy, development, enhancement, and delivery of Moody's Investors Service (MIS) Environmental Social Governance (ESG) product suite. My path to product has been unique and not necessarily linear. My background is in Public Finance and I started my career as an Associate Analyst in the Local Government Ratings Team with MIS. A desire to push myself – to keep learning, evolving, and growing is what started me on the journey – support from vital career champions and trusted guidance and mentorship helped me arrive at my current destination.

On being a Black woman in this industry:

About 4.2% of Product Managers are Black, and an even smaller percentage are Black Women. I am committed to make an impact in this space, passionate about environmental and social issues, and honored to play a small part in helping to carve a path for future generations of Black Women Product Managers.

Fun fact:

I have almost 30 tattoos.

Favorite advice:

We have everything to share, nothing to prove…


LATREESE CALDWELL

About me:

I manage the Administrative Department including direct administrative support for the Kendall County Board, Budgets and Finance, Risk Management and Human Resources. I was promoted from Budget and Research Coordinator where I managed the County’s Budget Process. I continue to oversee the County’s Budget process and am working on implementing budgeting software to integrate with the County’s ERP system.

On being a Black woman in this industry:

I think it is important to be an example and a support to other women on the ascent up their career path. I believe in mentoring and encouraging others, both professionally and personally. For women, the ability to balance home life and work life is essential to success.

Fun fact:

I am equally left and right brained. I enjoy both analytical work and written words. I have written a policy and procedure manual for every job I have had in my career.

Favorite advice:

“Document the procedure.” Once a procedure is documented, the next logical step is process improvement.  Efficiencies follow.


RENA NICOLE CONNOR

About me:

I am the Managing Director of Institutional Municipal Fixed Income sales with 15 years of experience in the field. Expanding my career path as a Trading Assistant at Capital Group Companies to a leading producer within Hilltop Securities Tier 1 Institutional sales group was the result of hard work, persistence, and the unique opportunity to challenge both myself and the industry.

On being a Black woman in this industry:

Being a Black woman working in Municipals is extremely meaningful and rewarding. Black Americans in this country often rely on public finance for education, healthcare services, employment, etc. I am proud to know that we are placing deals with lead investors that build schools, hospitals and other infrastructure projects that are imperative to the health and human capital within my community.

On a more personal level, Black Americans are extremely underrepresented in Capital Markets. I had no idea what a Mutual fund, let alone a Municipal bond was growing up. Today, I pride myself on not only being a leader in pushing for more representation in producing roles, but also a confidant to the younger generation of color and advising on some of the challenges they face. I often talk to my mentees about being Passionate, Professional and having Purpose. I believe my Purpose is to help in the advancement and inclusion of Black people in our industry.

Fun fact:

My best friend of 20++ years is trailblazing, 4x Grammy nominated Country music artist Mickey Guyton. She was the first black woman nominated for Best Country Record and was given the honor of singing the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl.

Favorite advice:

Never shrink from what makes you different. Your upbringing, your ideas and your ethos matter; voicing/representing those differences only stand to challenge, grow, and advance your organization.


 STEPHANIE NEELY

About me:

Currently, I am a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Asset Management and I am the Head of North America Institutional Central and Canada sales team. I have been in the financial service industry for over three decades and truly enjoy the many roles I’ve had as I serve my teams, clients and organizations. Prior to joining the firm, I was the assistant treasurer and vice president at a major insurance company, and before that, I was the elected treasurer of the City of Chicago. As a native Chicagoan, it was my honor to serve the city I love in this role for two term (eight years). I hold an MBA in Finance from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Smith College.

On being a Black woman in this industry:

As a black woman, I am very blessed and fortunate to come to work every day as my authentic self. It wasn’t always this way but over the years I have gained the use of my voice to stand up to what is right and also support those who have not found the ability to use their voice. I offer a unique perspective, seeing the world through a different lens. I feel it is my responsibility to make my organizations the best they can be; I must offer this perspective and speak up about what is right and hold organizations responsible and to a high standard.

Fun Facts:

I am an equestrian and have 3 equine family members (Carloss, Quincy and Charming). I also have show dogs, a rottweiler, Zeke, and a bull mastiff, Paulie. And finally, I was in Tom Cruise’s first movie…I bet you can’t guess the name.

Best Advice:

Way too many to share, but here are a few:

  •     Get your education as it is something that can never be taken from you (Parents)
  •     As a black girl you have to be twice as good to be considered equal; they are always watching (Mother)
  •     Do what you love, the money will follow (Mother)
  •     Be kind, no matter what (Richard M. Daley, former Chicago Mayor)

CHARLENE BUTTERFIELD

About me:

I’m the manager of the Local Governments, East Region team in US Public Finance (USPF) at S&P Global Ratings. Previously, I was an analyst first on the Not-for-profit Healthcare and then Higher Education teams in USPF.

On being a Black woman in this industry:

It means everything! I’m proud to be a Black woman in an industry that is mission-driven, and dedicated to funding public and not-for-profit entities.  When I began my career, there weren’t many women of color around when I walked into meetings. Now, while we are not legion, when I look around, I’m pleased to see that there are more and more women of color forging their careers and making moves! Let’s make it happen, ladies!

Fun facts:

I leave it to you to determine which is most ‘fun’—they’re all true!: 1) I’m a Bermudian. 2) I climbed the Petit Piton in St Lucia. 3) Prince called me out from the stage for doing the Carlton to one of his songs at Madison Square Garden. 4) I received a private audience with Pope John Paul II.

Favorite advice:

One of my best friends reminded me that ‘every day is a school day’, meaning it’s ok if you don’t get it right today, because you are learning every day—just try again tomorrow. The best advice I’ve given is: ‘Try to make everyone feel heard; you will learn more that way.’