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Jay Fountain
Director of OPM, City of Stamford
Professional Background
Jay Fountain is a seasoned financial expert with over 45 years of experience in state and local government financial management. His career has been marked by significant contributions to budgeting, performance auditing, and government accounting standards. Starting in the late 1960s, Jay laid the foundations of his career as a Finance Director for Fulton County, Georgia, where he implemented innovative performance-based budgeting approaches that would set benchmarks for effective financial management. His prowess in financial oversight soon transitioned him to the role of City Auditor for Dallas, Texas, where he managed an audit team dedicated to conducting financial, compliance, and performance audits across city operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
In the 1980s, Jay became the Assistant City Manager for Dallas, where he was responsible for various operational aspects including finance, budgeting, and health services among others. His leadership was pivotal in optimizing the operations of public service resources, directly benefiting the citizens of Dallas. His influence in the governmental accounting arena further expanded when he joined the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) as the Assistant Director of Research. Here, Jay actively contributed to significant projects, most notably GASB Statement 34, which revolutionized the way governmental entities report their finances. He also led research efforts on Service Efforts and Accomplishments (SEA), culminating in guidelines for voluntary reporting that enhance transparency and accountability in governmental financial performance.
Following his retirement from GASB in 2003, Jay did not slow down. His commitment to public service continued as he became a member of the Board of Representatives for the City of Stamford, Connecticut, chairing the Fiscal Committee. Today, Jay serves as the Director of the Office of Policy and Management for Stamford, where he applies his extensive knowledge in financial management to guide policy development and improve fiscal health within the city. His consultancy work remains robust, focusing on SEA reporting, financial projections, and fiduciary responsibilities. His dedication to improving government performance is further reflected in his co-founding of GovPerformance, a non-profit organization that helps advance the utilization of performance information in government.
Education and Achievements
Jay Fountain's educational background is as impressive as his professional journey. He began his academic pursuit by earning an Associate of Arts (AA) degree at Palm Beach Junior College. He then honed his public administration skills with a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) focused on Government Administration from Georgia State University. Jay continued at the University of Florida, obtaining both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a major in Accounting. This well-rounded education provided him with the foundation necessary to excel in his multiple roles in finance, budgeting, and public administration.
His professional credentials are further reinforced as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), ensuring he adheres to the highest standards of financial management practices and ethics. His participation as a member of various influential organizations such as the National Council on Governmental Accounting (NCGA) underscores his commitment to continual professional development and staying at the forefront of financial management standards and practices.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his illustrious career, Jay Fountain has amassed numerous accolades and achievements that reflect his dedication to public service and financial excellence. His trailblazing efforts in performance-based budgeting while serving as Finance Director for Fulton County set a standard for financial practices in local government. As City Auditor, his leadership in performance audits helped improve efficiency and accountability in public spending, enhancing public trust in government operations.
At the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, Jay’s contributions significantly impacted how government entities report financial results, introducing standards that brought a new era of transparency and accountability. His leadership in developing the SEA guidelines has been particularly crucial in enabling local governments to measure and report their performance effectively.
In his role with the City of Stamford, Jay continues to shape fiscal policy and management practices that benefit the community. His consultancy work and partnership with ACOPEB highlights his ongoing influence in the realm of public financial management, particularly focusing on assisting small governments in understanding their retirement healthcare obligations.
Overall, Jay Fountain's journey illustrates a commitment to improving government financial practices, mentoring others in the field, and fostering an environment where performance measurement contributes to better decision-making and public service delivery. His extensive career and dedication to innovation in the public sector exemplify the important role of finance professionals in enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of government organizations.
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Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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