President’s Message
(12/20/2025)
AGA Boston!
As we wrap up 2025 and look forward to 2026, I hope you get the time to enjoy the holiday season with your family, friends, and loved ones. Celebrate your accomplishments and make sure you recharge for an exciting year ahead full of opportunities!
If you did not get a chance to join us at the annual holiday party, you missed a delicious meal and an informative presentation on the MassSave Program by the Massachusetts State Auditor’s Office. Many thanks to Aprel McCabe, Chrissy Joyal, and Shana Doiron for setting up and delivering the event. I hope to see all of you at the celebration in 2026!
Thank you to our Community Service Committee for another year of serving Massachusetts. Most recently, AGA Boston participated in Wreaths Across America, a program which honors fallen veterans by placing wreaths on their graves. This year, AGA Boston supported the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA with wreaths and we could not have done it without Ben Howe and JJ Scully…thanks so much!
It really has been a wonderful year for AGA Boston, and I am so grateful to be a part of a professional group of local, state, and federal public servants. Check out our attached Community Centric Report (CCR) to see how our Chapter performed, and a special thanks to Katie Spaeder for preparing the comprehensive, eye-catching report!
I hope you get to participate in some of our events in the coming year, as our Education Committee has been hard at work planning our upcoming Virtual Regional Professional Development Training (The Many Faces of Fraud) on January 8, 2026; a great opportunity to connect with our community and learn!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and the happiest of holidays to all of you and your families!
Best Wishes,
Patrick Sullivan
President, AGA Boston Chapter
AGA Boston Chapter Holiday Party Recap
The AGA Boston Chapter recently gathered in Boston for a festive and engaging event filled with networking, learning, and holiday cheer.
William McNamara, Comptroller of Massachusetts, shared a warm thank you to the AGA Boston Chapter for its continued commitment to excellence in government accountability. Incoming Chapter President Aprel McCabe and current President Patrick Sullivan kicked things off with a warm welcome, setting the vibe for a fun and engaging gathering.
Twenty members enjoyed valuable networking time followed by an insightful presentation from the Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor on the MassSave Audit, highlighting key findings and accountability practices. Participants enjoyed a delicious lunch and desserts catered by Florina’s.
The holiday spirit was alive as Chrissy Joyal won the Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest, bringing festive fun to the event. In addition, the AGA Boston Chapter will donate $200 to Globe Santa, supporting families in need during the holidays.
This event showcased the strength of our Boston AGA community—combining professional growth, holiday celebration, and generosity.
Successful Wreaths Across America Campaign
THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our Wreaths Across America program this year. The program aims to remember and honor fallen veterans by placing wreaths on their graves. AGA Boston Chapter members and friends sponsored 53 wreaths through this year’s program. Forty-eight were laid on December 13, 2025, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery at Bourne, and we have already collected five for next year’s program. We very much appreciate everyone’s support!
Citizen-Centric Report (CCR) Recognition for Excellence
AGA applauds the Boston Chapter’s commitment to excellence reflected in the CCR and is pleased to present it with its CCR Recognition of Excellence!
Attached is the Boston CCR 2025 for your awareness, as well as AGA’s recognition. (Boston Chapter 2025 CCR)
See the Citizen Centric Reporting page for this recognition.
Registration is Open and Session Speakers are Confirmed!
AGA Boston Chapter – Many Faces of Fraud Seminar 2026
Thursday, January 8, 2026 – 8:50 AM to 2:55 PM ET
Virtual Event
6 High-Quality CPEs
For more information about this event, please visit link.
Session Replay Dates – January 14, 2026, and January 22, 2026
For More Information
To learn more about the AGA Boston Chapter, visit link. The Chapter has sponsors that help us put on our programs.
AGA Boston Chapter Winter 2025 Email Newsletter
(11/12/2025)
President’s Message
AGA Boston,
Happy Veteran’s Day! For those of you who have served, are currently serving, or if your loved ones are Veterans, I hope you have a wonderful holiday and take the opportunity to spend time with veterans to thank them for their efforts and courage to ensure our nation’s liberty and freedom. And with Thanksgiving and the holiday season right around the corner, I wish you and your families happiness and peace as we conclude 2025.
Thank you to the 61 members who took the Chapter survey! We have heard your appreciation for affordable CPEs and your desire for more virtual training opportunities related to cybersecurity, data analytics, and leadership. As your Chapter Executive Committee (CEC), we will work together and do our best to meet your needs.
On October 9, 2025, the CEC approved the Boston Chapter Bylaws. I ask you to review these bylaws and, if interested, provide feedback and suggestions for the CEC to consider at bostonchapteraga@gmail.com. Please submit any feedback you wish to share by Wednesday, November 26.
Thank you for your participation and professionalism; without it, we would not be AGA’s best Chapter!
All the best,
Patrick Sullivan
Chapter President
AGA Boston Chapter Holiday Party
The Chapter would like to invite you to our annual, in-person holiday party!
Date and Time: Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: One Ashburton Place, 21st Floor, Boston, MA 02108
What will be served? Italian buffet, desserts, and beverages.
Cost: $30 for AGA members and $35 for non-members
Interested in joining us? Please Venmo Aprel McCabe at @Aprel-McCabe (last four digits of cell number: 9547) and note the payment is for the “AGA Party.” Please make your payment to Aprel by December 2, 2025.
An in-person presentation will be provided about the recent MassSave Audit by staff from the MA Office of the State Auditor. Attendees who participate in this part of this event in its entirety will receive 1 CPE.
Questions may be directed to Aprel McCabe at agaboston.education@gmail.com.
As part of this event, the Boston Chapter will be donating to the charity “Globe Santa.” Visit for more information about this worthwhile charity and how to donate to it online.
Community Service Event – Wreaths Across America Reminder
THANK YOU to all who have donated! To date, the AGA Boston Chapter has collected 35 wreaths for this year’s drive. We appreciate your support!
The AGA Boston Chapter is participating in the Wreaths Across America program this year, which aims to remember and honor fallen veterans by placing wreaths on their graves. This year, the event is scheduled for December 13, 2025, and you can help by sponsoring a wreath or volunteering.
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Location ID: MANCBO
Location Name: Massachusetts National Cemetery of Massachusetts in Bourne, MA
Our group is a $5 Forward plan. This means for every wreath sponsored the location will receive $5 towards another wreath. The wreaths are $17 each.
Mission of Wreaths Across America: To Remember, Honor, and Teach about the value of freedom by laying wreaths on veterans’ gravesites.
Where to find more information: link
Upcoming Virtual Fraud Event
Save the NEW Date!
AGA BOSTON CHAPTER – 2026 VIRTUAL MANY FACES OF FRAUD SEMINAR
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Agenda and CPE information will be shared soon.
AGA CGFM Certification
Distinguish yourself from others in your field by earning the only professional certification 100% focused on government financial management at all levels of government. Want to learn more about the CGFM certification? Visit link.
AGA Membership Information
Connect with a nationwide community of strong, supportive government financial leaders who share your passion for accountability and transparency in public service. Visit link for more information on how to join AGA.
For More Information
To learn more about the AGA Boston Chapter, visit link. The Chapter has sponsors that help us put on our programs.
President’s Message
(10/25/2025)
Happy Friday, AGA Boston! I hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather and getting yourself ready for the busy holiday season. Earlier this week, you should have received a short survey which will help your Executive Committee determine how to best serve the Chapter. Tell us what you like, what you do not like, and anything else that is on your mind. Let us work together to get better! Especially during these uncertain and rapidly changing times in government, we need to hear from you so we can help get you the most value out of your membership. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your critical feedback.
Also, in the coming weeks you should receive a copy of the Chapter’s updated bylaws. The Executive Committee voted to approve these bylaws on October 9, 2025, and we are going through them one last time to make edits and prepare the document for promulgation. It has been a few years since these bylaws were amended, and we want to make sure you have the chance to review and comment. So be on the lookout and make sure your voice is heard!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Patrick Sullivan
Chapter President
Chapter Member Survey Reminder
We would appreciate it if you would complete a brief survey to help us determine how the Chapter can better serve you. Completing this survey will take about 5 minutes. If you have already completed the survey, thank you!
Access this survey at link.
We ask that you please complete this survey by Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
For any questions about your membership you can also contact the Chapter’s Membership Chair, Karen LaPlante, at Karen.LaPlante@massauditor.gov. She is a great resource for you with whatever questions you may have about your AGA membership.
AGA membership information is available at link.
Community Service Event – Wreaths Across America
The AGA Boston Chapter is participating in the Wreaths Across America program this year, which aims to remember and honor fallen veterans by placing wreaths on their graves. This year, the event is scheduled for December 13, 2025, and you can help by sponsoring a wreath or volunteering.
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Location ID: MANCBO
Location Name: Massachusetts National Cemetery of Massachusetts in Bourne, MA
Our group is a $5 Forward plan. This means for every wreath sponsored the location will receive $5 towards another wreath. The wreaths are $17 each.
Mission of Wreaths Across America: To Remember, Honor, and Teach about the value of freedom by laying wreaths on veterans’ gravesites.
Where to find more information: link
Upcoming Virtual Fraud Event
Save the Date!
AGA BOSTON CHAPTER – 2025 VIRTUAL MANY FACES OF FRAUD SEMINAR
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Agenda and CPE information will be shared soon.
CGFM Promotions
To celebrate AGA’s 75th anniversary, members get $75 off their Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) application fee, now through October 31. Want to learn more about the CGFM? Visit link.
For More Information
To learn more about us visit us online at AGA Boston Chapter. The Chapter has sponsors that help us put on our programs.
FY 2025 – 2026 President’s Announcement
(8/31/2025)
Greetings AGA Boston!
I am honored to be your Chapter President after previously serving as your National Council of Chapters Representative. I bring with me 23 years of service in the United States Coast Guard and have been a member of AGA since 2009, holding both the CGFM and CDFM.
My professional experience includes work in financial accounting, auditing and budget management, as well as ship-driving, search-and-rescue planning, and logistics management. Growing up in Whitman, MA, and then moving away with the military for 20+ years, it is special to now be working in my favorite city serving as Coast Guard Base Boston’s Commanding Officer.
AGA Boston is a force, made up of some of the finest public servants from local, state, and federal government agencies. Having been affiliated with several chapters in Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, I can tell you AGA Boston is the most impressive in terms of energy, creativity and getting things done! I look forward to a great year working with you!
Best,
Patrick M. Sullivan
Boston Chapter President
The FY 2026 CEC members:
• President Elect: Patrick Sullivan
• President Elect: Aprel McCabe
• Immediate Past President: Yoko McCarthy
• Treasurer: Nicole Brownell
• Treasurer Elect: Karen Laplante
• National Council of Chapters: Shana Doiron
• ACE Reporting Chair: Elaine Silva
• Awards & Scholarship Chair: Edrige Achille
• Bylaws & Procedures Chair: Eric Berman
• CGFM/Professional Certification Chair: David Mahr
• Citizen-Centric Reporting Chair: Katie Spaeder
• Community Service Chair: John Scully
• Communications & Newsletter Chair: Ben Howe,
• Education Chairs: Aprel McCabe, Shipra Aggarwal
• Meeting & Events Chair: Kathryn Seavey
• Membership Chair: Kareen Laplante
• Secretary: Aury Suarez
• Sponsorships (Corporate) Chair: Modesta Roshi
• Young Professionals/Student Chair: Reed Cullen
• Webmaster & Website Coordinator Chair: Christine Joyal
CCR Recognition of Excellence – 2024-2025
(12/16/2024)
AGA’s Citizen-Centric Reporting (CCR) Program encourages chapters to publish an annual CCR. The four-page report is designed to be visually appealing and provides understandable information to citizens about the financial condition and performance of a chapter. The purpose of AGA’s CCR initiative is to help simplify communication between government and its citizens, who have a right to accurate information about the way their government spends their taxpayer dollars.
We are pleased to announce that the Boston Chapter has received AGA’s CCR Recognition of Excellence for this program year. See the Citizen Centric Reporting page for this recognition.
FY 2024 – 2025 President’s Announcement
(8/22/2024)
Hello AGA Boston Chapter members! My name is Yoko McCarthy, and I am honored to serve as our Chapter’s President for fiscal year (FY) 2025, work with the wonderful colleagues of the Chapter Executive Committee (CEC), and continue providing valuable services to our chapter members.
We are working diligently to prepare an outstanding program of events that supports our diverse community of professionals from all levels of government, higher education, non-profit, private sector, and students. We are planning to host three all-day training events to provide quality education and CPE credits, CGFM study sessions, webinars, and in-person networking events, including a holiday gathering.
Your input is crucial to help ensure our program supports your needs, which is why we periodically send member surveys. Please take a few minutes to answer our surveys, so we can better assist you.
The FY 2025 CEC members:
• President Elect: Patrick Sullivan
• Immediate Past President: Sarah Mongeau
• Treasurer: Guillermo Perez
• Treasury Advisor: Peter Scavotto
• National Council of Chapters: Shana Doiron
• ACE Accountability Director: Aury Suarez
• Awards & Scholarship Chair: Edrige Achille
• Bylaws & Procedures Chair: Eric Berman
• CGFM/Professional Certification Chair: David Mahr
• Citizen-Centric Reporting Chair: Darren Robbins
• Community Service Chair: Christopher Bourassa
• Communications/Newsletter/Website Chair: Ben Howe
• Education Chair: Aprel McCabe
• Meeting & Events Chair: Kathryn Seavey
• Membership Chair: Andrew Slowick
• Secretary: Elaine Silva
• Sponsorships (corporate) Chair: John Scully
• Young Professionals/Student Chair: Reed Cullen
• Webmaster/Website Coordinator Chair: Christine Joyal
If you are interested in volunteering on the Boston Chapter CEC, please contact me at ymccarthy@berrydunn.com. We would love for you to join us!
Have a wonderful summer and thank you in advance for your continued support during FY 2025.
Yoko McCarthy
AGA Boston Chapter President (2024 – 2025)
AGA Boston Member Survey
(5/16/2024)
AGA Boston Chapter is pleased to report the most popular responses to its February 2024 member survey. Visit the 2024 Member Survey Results for more information on these results. Not a member? Visit here for more information on AGA membership.
AGA Boston Chapter announces a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) examination virtual preparatory program!
This program will provide robust training to assist government professionals to prepare for the required three CGFM examinations.
For more information, the chapter will be hosting a virtual informative Lunch and Learn session on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 12-1:00. If you would like to learn more about the CGFM certification please send an email to agaboston.education@gmail.com to receive a meeting invite.
For more information, visit National’s website for the certification process https://www.agacgfm.org/cgfm-certification/cgfm-faq/
AGA Boston Chapter in the Boston Globe!
(12/21/2023)
Thank you, AGA Boston Chapter members and friends! The chapter made the Boston Globe on December 16th for our holiday party support of Globe Santa! For information about this charity and to donate, please visit the Globe Santa Website.
AGA’s Accountability Talks Podcast!
(12/12/2023)
On Episode 123 of the podcast, AGA chats with the AGA Boston Chapter’s current President, Sarah Mongeau, and President-Elect, Yoko McCarthy, about their chapter’s history and future!
Chapter Awards 2023
(7/16/2023)
Congratulations to the AGA Boston Chapter on receiving the AGA Chapter Communications Award for the past program year! The Communications Award is a holistic award where a panel of AGA staff reviewed the chapter’s website, member communication, and social media platforms.
The Achievements in Chapter Excellence (ACE) Awards Program recognizes individual chapter performance and provides a standard by which each AGA chapter maintains a well-rounded operation for the professional growth of its members.
Find out more about this award: https://www.agacgfm.org/About/Recognition/OtherAwards.aspx.
List of 2023-2024 Program Year Candidates
(5/5/2023)
The AGA Boston Chapter puts forward the following list of candidates to its members for its officers and vice presidents for the 2023-2024 program year:
Chapter Officers:
President-Elect – Yoko McCarthy
Secretary – Elaine Silva
Treasurer – Male Kamya
National Council of Chapters (NCC) Representative – Patrick Sullivan
Chapter Vice Presidents:
VP Administration and Finance – Peter Scavotto
VP Education and Programs – Aprel McCabe
VP Communications – Ben Howe
Chapter members also interested in serving in one of these positions, or interested in volunteering with the Chapter, should contact the Chair of the Nominating Committee, Sarah Mongeau, President Elect for the 2023-2024 program year, at Sarah.Mongeau@sao.state.ma.us. The comment period for these nominations ends at the end of the day on Wednesday, May 10th.
Virtual Winter Seminar
CGFM Virtual Panel
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 12:00 pm
(2/11/2023)
The AGA Boston Chapter would like to invite you to a virtual panel featuring experienced AGA members and guests from AGA National to speak about the value of the CGFM designation. To learn more and register, please refer to our Event Calendar.
Virtual Winter Seminar
Thursday, March 2, 2023
(1/24/2023)
AGA Boston is pleased to announce its next event! More information is available on our Event Calendar page.
AGA Boston Chapter Scholarships
(1/9/2023)
The AGA Boston Chapter is offering two $1,500 scholarships this year! The application deadline is May 15, 2023. Apply Now!
For more information, or to apply for a scholarship, please visit:
https://boston.agacgfm.org/chapter-resources/scholarships/
CCR Recognition of Excellence – 2022-2023
(12/22/2022)
AGA’s Citizen-Centric Reporting (CCR) Program encourages chapters to publish an annual CCR. The four-page report is designed to be visually appealing and provides understandable information to citizens about the financial condition and performance of a chapter.
We are pleased to announce that the Boston Chapter has received AGA’s CCR Recognition of Excellence for this program year. See the Citizen Centric Reporting page for this recognition.
Save the Date! Virtual Winter Seminar
Thursday, March 2, 2023
(12/17/2022)
AGA Boston is pleased to announce planning has begun for its next event!
Virtual Winter Seminar: Tentative Event Title “Preparing for the Unknown”
Date: Thursday, March 2, 2023
Tentative CPE: Six (6)
Topics under consideration: Leadership through change, change and its impact on internal controls, and ethical considerations during change.
Please check back again soon for more information!
AGA Boston Recruitment Month – Extended to December 2022
(12/9/2022)
AGA helps new members advance, grow, and accelerate their careers!
AGA National has challenged AGA Boston to work together to see if everyone in our chapter can recruit one new member this year. So this year, we are upping the offer by throwing in prizes to our supporting members!
Recruitment Prizes
To the chapter member who recruits the most members for us in the month of December, we are awarding your efforts with prizes such as AGA swag (AGA branded bag and notebook), as well as an Amazon gift card!
If you recruit a new member, please ask that individual to note you as their sponsor when they become members!
Visit https://www.agacgfm.org/Chapters/Boston-Chapter/Membership/Membership.aspx for more information on how to join AGA!
Thank you!
AGA Boston Chapter Holiday Party: December 1, 2022
(11/4/2022)
Save the date! AGA’s holiday luncheon is scheduled for December 1, 2022. Our guest speaker is Stephen Anzalone, Assistant Director of the Bureau of Special investigations for the Office of the State Auditor, and will present “Public Benefits Fraud.”
Upcoming Community Service Events
(10/29/2022)
- Wreaths Across America: Deadline November 28, 2022 | Download flyer
- AGA Boston Chapter Holiday Party: December 1, 2022 | Download flyer
AGA’s New Branding
(10/3/2022)
The Association of Government Accountants (AGA) 2022 National Leadership Training (NLT) was the first AGA event held onsite since NLT 2020. During this event, AGA unveiled its new branding, motto, and mission statement. Formerly the Association of Government Accountants, the network for financial management professionals is now known simply as AGA with each letter standing for an important guiding principle: Advance. Grow. Accelerate.
For more information on the AGA’s new branding, please view the following video | March 11, 2022
Chapter Community Service
(9/12/2022)
In remembrance to the 21st anniversary of 9/11, the Community Service Committee would like to challenge our members to partake in an act of kindness and giving. | Volunteer & Community Service Projects
Save the Date!
(9/9/2022)
AGA Boston Chapter – Fall Fraud Seminar
October 20, 2022, 8:50 AM – 4:00 PM
- Virtual Event
- 7 High-Quality CPEs
- Cost: $75 (AGA members) $125 (non-members)
(Registration is closed)
Fall Fraud Seminar Replay Available!
Can’t make the Chapter’s “live” event on October 20? We have scheduled two replays of the event in November for your convenience!
For more information and to register, please visit the following link:
Announcing New AGA Boston YouTube Channel
(9/8/2022)
AGA Boston Chapter is pleased to announce that we have created a new YouTube channel where we will post some of our past educational events for you to view for FREE!
To start, we have added our three 2022 and 2021 virtual career panels that were held in support of AGA’s Council for the Advancement of Women.
All you need to do to watch a sessions is to register for it, then you be given access to the content.