Women in Public Finance names 2024 board of directors

Jennifer Fredericks, a sales director at market data platform SOLVE, will lead Women in Public Finance's board of directors in 2024, the organization recently announced.

Women in Public Finance, a professional networking group for women working in the public finance sector, is about advancing women in sector, including helping them find jobs, putting together education and programming, and creating a mentorship program for women in the industry, Fredericks said.

This year is "about growth, it's about deepening our programming to make sure that again, everybody's able to benefit both personally and professionally," she said.

When choosing a new board, Kayla MacEwen, a partner at Masterson Advisors and the organization's immediate past president, said Women in Public Finance looks to see who is leaving but noted it's not a "one-to-one replacement."

The organization focuses on having diverse members on its board and is looking to bring on more issuers, along with having them involved in the organization and attending the annual conference.

Others on the 2024 Women in Public Finance Executive Committee include: Kathleen Bowe (Wells Fargo), president elect; Kayla MacEwen (Masterson Advisors), immediate past president; Biljana Seki (Los Angeles Metro), treasurer; Amanda Lee (Jefferies), vice president of conference; Melanie Johnson (Piper Sandler), vice president of chapter; Martina Hinojosa (Cantu Harden), secretary; and, Toni-Marie Kahre (San Diego County Water Authority), assistant treasurer.

Additional directors include Christine Pihl (RBC Capital Markets), Patricia Rodriguez (Loop Capital Markets), Tina Wilson (City of Atlanta), Lindsay Evans (BOK Financial Securities), Tamika Reed ( The Frazer Lanier Co.), Anna Horevay (McGuireWoods), Liberty Ziegahn (Oppenheimer), Mary Kate Rogan (PNC), Laurie Scott (Integrity Public Finance), Sarah Sanchez (UMB Bank) and Romy McCarthy (D.A. Davidson & Co.).

Women in Public Finance was co-founded in 1997 by Lois Scott, Courtney Shea, Sarah Eubanks and Nancy Remar, initially focusing on the Midwest. To enable regional activities that complement nationally focused efforts, the group updated its bylaws in 2010 to recognize regional chapters and affiliates, as well as to include professionals from around the United States.

Women in Public Finance now includes 23 regional organizations — a new Pennsylvania chapter was recently added — as well as a national presence.

Participants include representatives from state and municipal governments, non-profit organizations, investment banks, legal firms, financial consultants, rating agencies, bond insurers, and trust officers.

Women in Public Finance's 28th annual conference is set for Sept. 18 to 20 in San Diego.