Position 1

Damein Baity is chief financial officer for the City of Birmingham Public Library in Birmingham, Alabama, where he oversees an operating budget with a diverse funding base and a capital budget. A GFOA member for eleven years, he currently serves as chair of the Black Caucus and is a member of the Committee on Economic Development and Capital Planning. In his current role, Damein has implemented a series of financial controls, including a comprehensive budgeting process, resulting in multiple consecutive years of positive cash flow and sustained growth. While with the City of Birmingham Budget Office, he completed GFOA’s Budget Academy and played a key role in maintaining the city’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by aligning the budget process with GFOA best practices. He also contributed to the successful implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system. 

Outside of work, Damein serves on the boards of Alabama Regional Medical Services and the Alabama State University Foundation Board of Director Emeritus, supporting community health, education, and mentorship. He also participates in the International City/County Management Association Leadership Institute. As a member of GFOA’s Executive Board, he will aim to expand outreach to underrepresented communities in public finance and promote access to GFOA’s educational and leadership opportunities. Damein was featured in the May 2023 Black Caucus Newsletter "Member Spotlight"  (https://www.gfoa.org/black-caucus-member-spotlight-damein-p-baity).