President’s Letter
Welcome to the End of Summer APFP Newsletter. On behalf of the APFP Board of Governors, we hope everyone is faring well and staying healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

APFP incorporated five years ago to provide a platform for public finance professionals to meet, share ideas and learn industry trends. During these challenging times we remain committed to meeting our mission by looking at alternative means to reach our membership. To that end, we want to extend a special thank you to our sponsors — we remain grateful for your support that allows APFP to continue providing a platform for public finance professionals.

While we have postponed all in person events, APFP is developing a series of virtual events. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

Warm Regards,

Craig A. Robinson
Co-Found and President APFP

First Half of 2020 in Review
We began 2020 in partnership with other regional Public Finance Professional organizations. On January 15, 2020, APFP and the Virginia Chapter of Women in Public Finance co-hosted Economic Development and Innovation Education Panel & Networking Reception, at the University of Virginia Darden Sands Family Grounds in Roslyn, Virginia. The panel featured experts from the public and private sector discussing innovative approaches to economic development in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Moderated by Giedre Ball, Debt Program, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, panelists Stephanie Landrum, President & CEO, Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Dr. Fitzroy Lee, Deputy CFO and Chief Economist, DC Government, Marian Marquez, Acting Director of Business Investment, Arlington Economic Development, and Andy Van Horn, of JGB Smith discussed how governmental leaders and the business community worked together to drive growth. This was our second event co-hosted with the Virginia Chapter of Women in Public Finance, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.

On January 29, 2020 APFP and the Maryland Chapter of Women in Public Finance co-hosted a panel discussion at the Offices of Miles & Stockbridge P.C. in Baltimore, Maryland. Moderated by Fabian Walters of Miles & Stockbridge, panelists Jennifer Fredericks of BNY Mellon, Nikki Griffth of Howard County and Desa Sealy of Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate discussed the considerations and challenges of executing public-private partnerships. As our first co-hosted event with the Maryland Chapter of Women in Public Finance, we anticipate future joint events.

On Wednesday, June 24, 2020, in continuance of our mission to encourage fellowship within the public finance community, promote standards of high professional integrity, and provide activities to meet, share ideas and learn, APFP hosted its first virtual workshop on Creating a Culture of Inclusion: Addressing Unconscious Bias. Led by Tanya M. Odom, Ed.M. global consultant, writer, coach, and diversity, equity, and inclusion thought leader, over 70 public finance professionals attended the virtual workshop. Please visit our website https://www.publicfinancedmv.com/presentations/ to access the slides from the workshop presentation, and other resources to support enhancing your learning about unconscious bias and microaggressions.

COMING SOON
2020 Virtual Events. Need a reason to get outside? Want to test your trivia skills? Plan to join us virtually for a 5K run/walk, and Muni Virtual Game Night. Details are forthcoming.

2021 Sponsorship Opportunities. Become an APFP Sponsor by contacting APFP Treasurer Pam Holton-Byrd at byrdp@stifel.com.