GFOA of the US & Canada

Dr. John Mitchell, a renowned economist, will be the keynote speaker at the opening session of the GFOA’s 103rd conference on Monday, June 29. Dr. Mitchell’s address, “2008-2009:  Your Grandfather's Recession —Your Children's Great Depression,” will focus on the global economy—what factors caused the downturn, a forecast for the future, and its effect on state, provincial, and local governments. Dr. Mitchell is currently with M&H Economic Consultants and makes frequent economic presentations around the country and is a fellow at the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon. Previously, he was a professor of economics at Boise State University for 13 years, before joining U.S. Bancorp where he served as chief economist. He then became the cconomist for the U.S. Western Region for US Bank.  Dr. Mitchell has also served as chairman of the Oregon Council of Economic Advisors and served on the Oregon Governor’s Technical Advisory Committee on Tax Review. He received his B.A. degree from Williams College and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Oregon.

On Tuesday, June 30, Christopher Liddell, CFO, Microsoft Corporation, will address the GFOA’s general session on excellence in financial management. Liddell is responsible for leading Microsoft Corp.’s worldwide finance organization in overseeing acquisitions, corporate strategy, treasury activities, tax planning, accounting and reporting, internal audit, and investor relations. Before joining Microsoft, Liddell was CFO at International Paper Co.; CEO of Carter Holt Harvey Ltd.; and an investment banker as Managing Director and joint CEO for CS First Boston NZ Ltd. Liddell holds an Engineering Degree with honors from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and a Master of Philosophy degree from Oxford University in England. He has served as director of the New Zealand Rugby Union, governor of the New Zealand Sports Foundation, and chairman of Project Crimson. Liddell was a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Advisory Committee on Improvements to Financial Reporting.