Shows
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookFull Disclosure—Live! with Ana Machado, Vista Unified School District (CA)Episode Summary In this episode of Full Disclosure – Live!, DebtBook product leaders Stephen Yokim and James Perez sit down with Ana Machado, Director of Fiscal Services for Vista Unified School District in San Diego County, California, to discuss how school district finance teams balance broad operational responsibilities with tight reporting timelines — and how purpose-built software supports consistency, transparency, and team-wide confidence. Ana shares what her team oversees across Vista Unified's 27 campuses, including payroll, budgeting, accounting, purchasing, and procurement — plus managing general obligation bonds and certificates of participation tied to facilities. She highlights the importance of trust...
2026-01-1529 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookFull Disclosure—Live! with Joey Fuqua, Henderson, NCIn this episode of Full Disclosure – Live!, DebtBook product leaders Stephen Yokim and James Perez sit down with Joey Fuqua, Finance Director for the City of Henderson, North Carolina, to discuss modernization, resilience, and what's ahead for a small city on the cusp of growth. In early 2024, a ransomware attack disrupted Henderson's access to critical financial data and reporting systems. Amid the challenge of restoring operations, DebtBook played a key role in helping the city maintain audit compliance and keep essential reporting processes running smoothly. Joey reflects on the experience as both a test of resilience and a...
2025-11-0730 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookFull Disclosure—Live! with Michael Gaughan, Vermont Bond BankIn the premier episode of Full Disclosure – Live!, DebtBook product leaders, Stephen Yokim and James Perez, sit down with Michael Gaughan, Executive Director of the Vermont Bond Bank, to explore how bond banks drive access to affordable capital for communities across Vermont. Michael shares his unique journey from community planning and public finance banking to leading the Bond Bank, where a staff of just four manages nearly $1 billion in loans supporting schools, infrastructure, clean water, disaster recovery, and more. He takes listeners through the Bond Bank's origins in the 1970s, its innovative state intercept mechanism, and its ev...
2025-09-2629 min
Rock Island Line8.25.25 Rock Island City Council MeetingToday's episode covers the 8.25.2025 Rock Island City Council Meeting. You can view the agenda and details and find a link to watch the meeting here: https://rockislandil.portal.civicclerk.com/event/613/overview 🏛 Council Actions & Votes Meeting structure change – Approved an amendment to city code: Regular council meetings now start at 5:45 PM with presentations and one public comment period (no more separate study sessions). Passed unanimously. Homelessness Services Moratorium – Amended to expire Oct. 13, 2025 (instead of Nov. 24). Applies only to new facilities (does not shut down existing providers). Passed 6–1, with Alderman Linda Barnes voting NO. Hig...
2025-08-2906 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookMarket Trends and VRDN Insights with Rick WhiteIn this episode of Full Disclosure, hosts Tyler Traudt and Nina Enholm sit down with Rick White, an independent consultant and veteran of the municipal finance world with over 20 years of experience in underwriting and remarketing tax-exempt variable rate debt. Rick pulls back the curtain on Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDNs), Tender Option Bonds, and money market eligible products and explains their structure, benefits, risks, and how they've evolved since the 2008 financial crisis. From his early days on the trading floor at First Union to managing a $30 billion variable rate portfolio at Wells Fargo, Rick provides a...
2025-04-091h 02Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookTariffs, Interest Rates, and What's Next: Economic Update with Mark VitnerIn this episode of Full Disclosure, hosts Tyler Traudt and Nina Enholm sit down with Mark Vitner, Chief Economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital, for an in-depth economic update. Mark unpacks key trends shaping the U.S. economy, analyzing the impact of tariffs, Federal Reserve policy, and shifting supply chains on growth and inflation. With years of experience forecasting economic conditions, Mark provides valuable insights into the current slowdown, explaining how uncertainty in trade policy and capital investment decisions is influencing business strategy. He breaks down the real effects of tariffs on consumer prices and how the Federal...
2025-03-1259 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookBond Banks 101: Exploring the First—The Vermont Bond BankIn this episode of Full Disclosure, our hosts Tyler Traudt and Nina Enholm explore the unique role of bond banks with Michael Gaughan, Executive Director of the Vermont Bond Bank. Michael shares his expertise on how bond banks provide critical access to capital for small and rural communities, ensuring they can fund essential infrastructure projects without the complexities of direct market access. Michael takes us through the origins of the Vermont Bond Bank, the first of its kind in the nation, and explains how it continues to evolve, offering innovative financing solutions that help municipalities manage challenges...
2025-02-191h 01Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookManaging Hurricane Helene Disaster RecoveryIn this episode of Full Disclosure, we share an extraordinary story of resilience, leadership, and community effort in the face of disaster. Our hosts, Tyler Traudt and Nina Enholm, are joined by Melissa Moore, CFO of Buncombe County, and Matt Evans, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, as they recount their experiences navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated Western North Carolina. Melissa and Matt share personal and professional accounts of the storm's impact, from the harrowing challenges of managing emergency operations without communication systems to ensuring that first responders were fed, roads were cleared, and resources were d...
2025-02-051h 09Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookA Career of Impact: Los Angeles Treasurer Dan Wiles on Public Finance, Leadership, and His Defining Deal In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we sit down with Dan Wiles, Assistant Treasurer for Los Angeles County and newly appointed MSRB Board Member, as he reflects on his nearly 40-year career in public finance and prepares for retirement. Join host Tyler Traudt and guest co-host Nina Enholm as they explore Dan's remarkable journey—from growing up in a small town in Minnesota to becoming a leader in municipal finance for one of the largest counties in the U.S. Dan shares his path from law school to public finance, recounting career-defining moments, including his pi...
2024-12-0355 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookLeadership in Chicago's Public Transit Operations with Kevin BuesoIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we meet Kevin Bueso, Chief Financial Officer at the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from Honduras to leading finance operations at one of the country's largest transit oversight agencies. Join host Tyler Traudt as he explores Kevin's strategic initiatives to address the challenges of post-pandemic public transit, the ongoing fiscal cliff, and the role of technology in transforming operations. Kevin discusses the unique challenges the RTA faces as an oversight and funding agency for Chicago's vast transit system, and how coordination between th...
2024-10-0254 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookManaging Growth and Public Trust in Local Government with Melissa MooreJoin us for an insightful episode of Where Public Finance Works, featuring Melissa Moore, the Finance Director for Buncombe County, North Carolina. Host Tyler Traudt explores Melissa's unique transition from the private sector to public finance, sharing how her analytical background and experience in financial planning have driven meaningful change in local government. Melissa discusses her journey from Texas to North Carolina, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her strategic approach to financial planning and cash flow management. She explains how Buncombe County is handling growth and public trust challenges, and how her team focuses on maximizing taxpayer...
2024-09-1040 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookInnovating Treasury Operations in Higher Education: Lessons from Denise LaussadeIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the remarkable career of Denise Laussade, a distinguished leader in university treasury operations with roles at both Purdue University and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Join host Tyler Traudt as he uncovers the deep-seated love for dance and music that has been a guiding force in Denise's life. These artistic passions have seamlessly intertwined with her career in finance, providing a unique perspective. Denise's professional journey spans different industries, from futures trading in oil, gold, and silver at Texaco to handling a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the r...
2024-08-2745 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookShaping a Safer Community: Strategic Public Safety Enhancements with Brian PahleIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the community of Hendersonville, NC alongside Brian Pahle, Assistant City Manager. Join host Tyler Traudt as he engages Brian in a thought-provoking discussion about his impact on public safety and fiscal management, along with his leadership in transforming the city's administrative landscape. Brian shares his ascent through the ranks from a budget intern to his current role, where he focused on overhauling the city's public safety protocols. His story includes strategic enhancements in fire services, emergency response, and infrastructure to support a safer community. This episode provides...
2024-08-1449 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookThe Strategic Role of Treasury within Utility Authorities with Randall BarnesIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the dynamic operations at JEA with Randall Barnes, the Treasurer who has been steering the financial helm since August 2022. Randall's journey from a small town in East Tennessee to managing billions in Jacksonville's public utilities is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the public finance sector. Host Tyler Traudt breaks down Randall's role, from overseeing debt management and cash forecasting to maintaining strong relationships with rating agencies. Randall shares insights into JEA's financial strategies, including the complexities of electricity generation and distribution, hedging gas prices...
2024-07-1046 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookThe Dynamics of Municipal Markets with Barnet ShermanIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, join us for a captivating conversation with Barnet Sherman, a financial expert and Professor at Boston University. With over 30 years of experience managing multibillion-dollar portfolios at Morgan Stanley and TIAA, Barnet brings his knowledge and fascinating insights into the world of public finance. Host Tyler Traudt takes us through Barnet's extensive career, starting from his early days as an analyst to his significant role as a portfolio manager. Barnet reflects on the diverse projects he's been part of, highlighting not only the large-scale transactions for major cities but also...
2024-06-1850 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookBuilding Trust for Better Community Outcomes with Mark FunkhouserIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we're joined by Mark Funkhouser, an expert in government finance and urban management. From growing up in West Virginia to finding an interest in political science in Pennsylvania, discover the path that led Mark to become a pivotal figure in Kansas City's administration. His career spans various roles, including social worker, director of the Performance Audit Group in Tennessee, and City Auditor in Kansas City. Through each position, Mark shares the importance of using government as a force for good, improving lives through effective management and fiscal responsibility.
2024-05-2856 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookFrom the Ground Up: Empowering Finance Teams with David BoydIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, join us for an enlightening conversation with David Boyd, the Chief Financial Officer of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina—a region experiencing rapid growth, adding 127,000 to its population since 2020. David shares his journey from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the dynamic financial world of Mecklenburg County. From his initial steps in finance as a young auditor to rising as a leader influencing major fiscal strategies, David's career has been driven by a passion for impactful public service and a dedication to innovative financial management. Join our ho...
2024-05-1449 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookThe Evolution of Municipal Finance Technology with Marty FeinsteinIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the remarkable journey of Martin "Marty" Feinstein, an influential figure in the fusion of public finance and investment banking technology. Born and bred in New York, Marty's story begins with his early exposure to computing at Jamaica High School, training on an IBM 1030 mainframe, and progresses through his ascension in the field post completing his master's from Albany State. Join our host, Tyler Traudt as he guides us through Marty's story from his foundational programming work at International Paper, creating a forest-yielding algorithm, to his pivotal role...
2024-04-2342 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookPublic-Private Partnerships for Debt & Asset Management with Matt DullFREE PLAYBOOK: How Public Finance Teams Can Prepare for the FDTA In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we're joined by Matt Dull, the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University, where he details the complexities of university finance and infrastructure. Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he guides listeners through Matt's two decades of innovative leadership, which has significantly shaped the University's living spaces and financial strategies. Matt recounts his efforts in elevating student living standards through creative public-private partnerships (P3). These initiatives have helped redefine residential life on campus...
2024-04-0251 min
YAGCASTAlumni Spotlight: Joseph FordWe are thrilled to be in conversation with Joseph Ford. Today, Joseph lives in Charlotte, NC and works as an Implementation Associate at Debtbook. Josephgraduated twice from Wake Forest University, with his Bachelors of Arts in History and a Master of Science in Business Administration and Management from the School of Business. During his time in Youth and Government, Joseph served as Associate Justice and was a member of the Parkland High School delegation.
2024-03-1928 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookTechnology, Democratizing Data, and the FDTA with Megan KilgoreFREE PLAYBOOK: How Local Governments Can Prepare for the FDTA In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we're joined by Megan Kilgore, the accomplished City Auditor of Columbus, Ohio. Megan takes us through her journey from a child inspired by public figures like Margaret Thatcher and Sally Ride to becoming a leading force in one of America's fastest-growing cities. She shares her passion for public service and how her upbringing in a hardworking, blue-collar family shaped her values and a people-first approach to government finance. Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he leads us t...
2024-03-1940 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookMuni Market Trends: The Golden Era of Public Finance with Justin Marlowe (Part 2)In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, Justin Marlowe, esteemed faculty member at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy, returns to share his insight on important shifts within the municipal market. Following where we left off in Part 1, Justin takes us through the current renaissance in public finance, celebrating the unleashing of expertise across all levels, from CFOs to billing clerks. He emphasizes the expectation for these professionals to not just execute tasks but to actively engage in policy-shaping discussions, highlighting the shift from static fund allocation to dynamic, informed decision-making that impacts policy and c...
2024-03-0549 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookTalent Development and Succession Planning with Maureen JoyceIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the inspiring career of Maureen Joyce, whose roots run deep within the city of Boston. With a family legacy in accounting and a personal journey that was shaped by higher education finance, Maureen's narrative intertwines with the growth of prestigious institutions and the city itself. Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he guides us through Maureen's contributions to Northeastern University, where she pioneered the Internal Audit department and later, the Accounting department, marking her pivotal role in the university's expansion. Her story is one of mentorship and...
2024-02-2037 min
STUMP - Death and TaxesPresidents Day 2024: Financial State of the CitiesLet’s look at the 2024 Financial State of the Cities, the annual report from Truth in Accounting. This one is based on the reports coming from FY2022, so there is a lag, as you can tell. I focus specifically on New York City, the city coming in dead last, as well as a coming development in “machine-readable” data for state and local financial reporting.Episode LinksTruth in Accounting’s FSOC 2024PDF: https://www.truthinaccounting.org/library/doclib/Financial-State-of-the-Cities-2024.pdfA few graphsA couple “random” towns I didn’t tal...
2024-02-1943 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookMuni Market Trends: Past, Present, & Future with Justin Marlowe (Part 1)In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the experience of Justin Marlowe, esteemed faculty member at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy. Here Justin shares the complexities and rewards of public finance and his unique ability to provide expansive guidance and insights. Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he takes us through Justin's prolific writing career, highlighting his five published works, including the growing excitement around his forthcoming book which offers an invaluable issuer's perspective on the municipal bond market. As the episode unfolds, Justin reflects on his two decades of...
2024-02-0645 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookThe Evolution of Governmental Accounting & Auditing with Jamie WilkeyIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the intricate world of governmental accounting with Jamie Wilkey, a dedicated Partner at Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, boasting a remarkable 22-year journey within the firm. Starting as an intern and evolving into a firm partner, Jamie's story is one of growth, adaptability, and commitment to the public finance industry. Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he uncovers Jamie's approach to the evolving GASB standards and the crucial balance between clear communication with external stakeholders and manageable operations for local governments. Jamie's take on the future of public finance...
2024-01-2341 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookRising Above Crisis with Strategic Cash Reserves and Fiscal Transformation with Lindsay MillerIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we dive into the many challenges of local government finance with Lindsay Miller, the Finance Director of Junction City, Kansas. With a passion for numbers that propelled her to the active public service industry, Lindsay shares her trajectory of growth through the ranks, culminating in her current role where she's reshaping the fiscal landscape of Junction City. Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he uncovers the strategic challenges and triumphs of managing a city's finances amidst the ebbs and flows of military population changes. Discover how Junction...
2024-01-0549 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookAgile Debt Financing Through Draw Programs with Matthew Hastedt "We want to make sure that we're getting as much return as we can while ensuring we never put the public's money at risk." – Matthew Hastedt In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we discover how the country's 5th fastest-growing city manages more than a billion dollars in debt to improve communities in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen along as Matthew Hastedt, Charlotte's Treasurer, speaks on forecasting city revenues and how strategic legislation lobbying protects both urban and rural interests. Matthew takes you into the $200 million Spectrum Center improvements, the city's partnership with the Charlotte Hornets basketball team...
2023-12-1955 minFull Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBookGrant Centralization & Education Funding in NC with Lee Plunkett"You want a community where people want to live here, work here, and play here, and to know you had a part of that is pretty important." - Lee Plunkett In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we unravel the unseen world of public finance through the compelling journey of Lee Plunkett, Assistant CFO at Forsyth County in North Carolina. Discover the diverse path our guest has taken in his finance career, as Lee shares his unique story—from the Illinois Department of Corrections to a stint in retail banking, and a pivotal role in the Go...
2023-12-0446 min
Beyond the BuildBuilding a Successful Software Company from Scratch: A Conversation with Tyler Traudt of DebtBook Tyler Traudt and Kevin CarneyTyler Traudt, Co-Founder and CEO of DebtBook, shares his experience building a successful software company from scratch. Traudt discusses the challenges of working in the public finance investment banking industry and the need for better software tools to help organizations manage their debt. He also talks about the importance of timing and hard work in building a successful startup, as well as the importance of listening to customer feedback and adapting to their needs. Learn more about our guests: https://www.kingsmensoftware.com/beyond-the-build-podcast Connect With Us on LinkedIn
2023-05-311h 01
Beyond the BuildTechnical Due Diligence: Lessons from the Front LinesSummary: Managing Director and CTO of Falfurrias Capital Partners, Rob Cummings along with Kingsmen Software’s Managing Director, Kevin Carney, join us for this week’s episode of Beyond the Build. We discuss the technical due diligence processes used by a private equity firm. We dive into everything from Rob’s career journey to what makes a company a good investment. Resources: https://falfurriascapital.com/ https://www.dealcloud.com/ https://www.intapp.com/ https://www.coalitioninc.com/ https://www.debtbook.com/ https://www.ind...
2023-01-2553 min
Charlotte Angel ConnectionCharlotte Angel Connection Episode 141: Tyler Traudt, CEO and Co-Founder of DebtBookToday we welcome Tyler Traudt to the podcast. Tyler is the founder and CEO of DebtBook, a software company that provides debt and lease management software to government, higher education, and healthcare finance teams.
After a two-year stint in Citigroup’s public finance investment banking team, Tyler spent several years consulting for public finance teams before connecting with his cofounder, Erik Pelletier. They started DebtBook in 2019 and recently closed a $7.5M Series A round.
We cover many topics in this episode, including how Tyler…
Signed DebtBook’s first 15 clients pre-product
Thinks about fundraising (and why they’ve raised 4 seed rounds)
Shaped D...
2023-01-0559 min
SBO PerspectivesGASB 96: Take a “Byte” out of SBITAJust when you thought it was over, the GASB fun continues! GASB 96 is right around the corner so don’t be caught waiting until the last minute! Get a head start on what to expect with our guests, Brian Petersen and Melissa Szot from PKF O’Connor Davies and Kasey Harris from DebtBook as they walk us through the similarities and differences to GASB 87 and how to best prepare for another round of GASB compliance!
2023-01-0500 min
Leadership Jam SessionThoughts on the war in UkraineIn this episode, I sit with two-time guest Major General (ret.) Craig B. Whelden. General Whelden spent 30 years in the U.S. Army, followed by seven in the private sector, and another nine as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) with the U.S. Marine Corps. General Whelden has had a very interesting military career including being present when the Berlin Wall fell. We spend some time talking about the war between Russia and Ukraine, where he provides an interesting perspective.General Whelden is also a motivational speaker on leadership and performance excellence, and an...
2022-04-2838 min
Geopolitics & EmpireJason Ross: Is China Empire Building in Africa?
Geopolitics & Empire · Dmitry Orlov: How the Technosphere Threatens the Biosphere and our Freedoms #088
Schiller Institute science advisor Jason Ross discusses China’s imperial ambitions in Africa through its Belt And Road Initiative and the challenges it poses to the US-dominated Bretton Woods system.
Show Notes
Extending the New Silk Road to West Asia and Africa https://schillerinstitute.com/extending-new-silk-road-west-asia-africa
Why China’s ‘Debtbook Diplomacy’ is a Hoax https://schillerinstitute.com/why-chinas-debtbook-diplomacy-is-a-hoax
Africa’s Bright Future on China’s Belt and Road Initiative https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIvC_Kdvc4E
2018-11-1700 min
The China Africa ProjectA U.S. View on China’s So-Called “Debtbook” Diplomacy AgendaFor the past year or so, senior U.S. government officials been accusing China of engaging in so-called “debtbook” diplomacy, a tactic that Washington contends intentionally burdens developing countries with billions of dollars of loans. When these countries, many of them some of the poorest in the world, invariably can’t pay them back, Beijing extracts concessions that further China’s geopolitical interests, according to the theory that is now widely held among U.S. politicians, academics, and strategists.
Just before they graduated with master’s degrees from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, then students Gabrielle Chefitz and Sam Parker wrot...
2018-06-2441 min