During the 2020 CSMFO Conference, I had the honor of having a discussion with an esteemed panel of professionals who have implemented and prioritized diversity and inclusion (D&I) into their work as finance officers.  The panelists consisted of Mrs. Lisa Marie Harris, Finance Director and Treasurer at San Diego County Water Authority; Mr. Dan McAllister, Treasurer and Tax Collector at the County of San Diego; and our subject matter expert Dr. Hei-ock Kim, Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Kim Center on Social Balance.  All three panelists shared their unique perspectives on the benefits of fostering and creating a workforce that recognizes the dimensions of diversity.  Learning objectives for the session were that attendees leave with a view of diversity and inclusion as a shared priority, that they  utilize the lens of D&I as a guide for their interactions with colleagues, and finally, that they incorporate D&I training practices to change conversations within their agencies.

Dan McAllister shared his techniques for growing a staff of professionals who serve the county’s growing population and changing demographics.  Today, his staff is 67% women and 33% men, all of whom come from diverse backgrounds and who together speak 17 languages.  Mr. McAllister shared, “ for diversity and inclusion, you have to believe in your heart it’s the right thing to do and then use your head to do it.” He also believes that from a business perspective, D&I strengthens an agency’s customer service focus, attracts the best talent to organizations and increases employee satisfaction and engagement, which ultimately leads to greater financial success.  Within the County of San Diego, that success is defined by the ability to collect property tax payments and better represent and communicate with its constituents.