District receives highest award for 2015-2016 financial report

Mary-Lou Pickles and Greg Rockwell with a finance award

Greg Rockwell, finance director, and Mary-Lou Pickles, director of the Office of Financial Services

PALATKA, Fla., Aug. 8, 2017 — The St. Johns River Water Management District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its fiscal year 2015-2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. District Finance Director Greg Rockwell also was recognized.

“This award demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of financial responsibility and accountability to the public in our financial processes,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “A panel of impartial judges selected the district for demonstrating a spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate our finances. I couldn’t be prouder of our staff and our board for their commitment to financial excellence and transparency.”

The award marks the 13th consecutive year the district has been recognized by the GFOA.

According to GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Rockwell received an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement as the individual primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR.

The GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is the only national awards program in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Headquartered in Chicago, Ill., GFOA is a major professional organization serving the needs of nearly 19,000 appointed and elected local, state and provincial level government officials and other finance practitioners.