Fiscal affairs, purchasing departments earn national kudos

Two departments that steward San Jacinto College's finances recently earned national recognition.

For the 14th consecutive year, the College's fiscal affairs department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.

This top recognition for governmental accounting and financial reporting went to the College for its 2019-2020 annual comprehensive financial report.

"This award epitomizes our team effort to ensure all College transactions are recorded appropriately for reporting," said Bill Dickerson, director of accounting and financial services. "It represents the true meaning of collaboration from all the areas within the College that have a direct impact on the creation of the annual comprehensive financial report."

Covering the U.S. and Canada, the Government Finance Officers Association is a major professional association serving nearly 19,000 appointed and elected local, state, and provincial government officials and other finance practitioners.

The College's purchasing department also took the spotlight with the 2021 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award.

This award from the National Procurement Institute Inc. honors public and non-profit agencies that demonstrate a commitment to procurement excellence by embracing innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership, and e-procurement.

Of this year's 181 award winners, San Jac is one of only three Texas community colleges — and only 12 higher education institutions overall — to receive the award this year.

"By focusing on accountability, integrity, and financial stewardship, the contracts and purchasing team helps the College fulfill its mission of student success," Ann Kokx-Templet, chief procurement officer, said. "I am very proud of the entire team for their professionalism and their ability to adapt to all challenges that come their way."

This is the eighth time and seventh consecutive year the purchasing department has won this award.

Photos:

Finance Reporting Team: (front row, left to right) LaTonya Lewis, project assistant; Carin Hutchins, associate vice chancellor, finance; Tomoko Olson, director, office of grants management; Ann Kokx-Templet, chief procurement officer; Sukki Choi, supervisor, cash; Becky Turner, supervisor, accounts payable; Dianne Duron, director, financial planning, analysis, and budget; (back row, left to right) Matthew Pinney, data report analyst, finance; Robert Merino, dean, financial aid services; Bill Dickerson, director, accounting and financial services; Carol Tillman, assistant comptroller; and Andrea DuBois, comptroller.

Contracts and Purchasing Team: (left to right)Daniel Warner, purchasing specialist; Farrah Khalil, buyer; Jaclyn Stafford, Pcard administrator; Ann Kokx-Templet, chief procurement officer; Angela Klaus, purchasing director; Karen Allen, senior buyer; Genie Scholes, facilities buyer; and Rhonda Williams, contract administrator. Not pictured is William Stinson, buyer.