WAMCAT Fall Institute 2025

WAMCAT Welcome Video

To register for full series:

Member #20760: $550
Nonmember #20761: $665

Daily pricing available:

Tuesday #20763: $185
Wednesday #20768: $185
Thursday #20765: $185
Friday #20770: $95

General Schedule:

Tues., Sept. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thurs., Sept. 12, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 13, 8 a.m.-noon

New this year:

APT: CPFIM
Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday test, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Class and test only #20778: $325
Class, test, awards luncheon, and afternoon sessions on Thursday #20779: $435

Schedule 

​Presenter Bios

Preconference

Tuesday 9/9

1:00 – 5:30pm
Advanced CPFIM
Jason Williams
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 2 MMC
GW223
Take your understanding even further with the Advanced CPFIM training. With a deep look into Analysis and Investment Strategy, attendees will gain a more thorough knowledge of how to quantify an investment policy objective and the tools needed to achieve it. The CPFIM training was launched in 2007; in 2011, the program expanded to offer the Advanced CPFIM.

Institute Schedule

Wednesday 9/10

8-10am
Registration Check-in
Gateway Building 2nd Floor Chapman Lobby

10am – 12pm
Welcome
Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance and Introductions
Opening Keynote
Developing Community Leadership: Lessons from the Grassroots World
Daniel Galbreath
Points – APT Pending , IIMC 1 MMC
GW225
If you want to be effective in any kind of community project, you need engagement from as many people as possible. “Lone wolf” and “great man” myths are just that: myths. Participants in this session will learn about and try proven strategies from grassroots organizing. We will experience how to build effective relationships with community members, confront best practices in building better community narratives, and collaborate on how to creatively engage community members in supporting important projects and changes.

12 – 1
Lunch
UU Building
Tobin Dining Hall

1 – 2:50
Breakout Sessions

Reimagining Goal Setting & Retreats with the Courage Method
Skippy Mesirow & Jen Cavenaugh
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 1 MMC
GW225
What if your annual retreat became the most energizing, effective time of the year? What if you left connected, actually seeing each other, and aligned to do the people’s work with unified excitement and clear direction? This workshop introduces retreat organizers to The COURAGE METHOD – our proven inside-out framework for designing goal-setting retreats that transform culture, strengthen collaboration, and unlock your team’s full potential. Participants will explore the Six Pillars of Empowered Leadership, identify key misunderstandings that lead to team conflict, and define and experience the power of cultivating your highest potential in service – your “Arête.” You will receive actionable tools to deliver value-driven, high-impact retreats in your communities. With real-world case studies, including an impactful retreat in Laramie, WY, this training will inspire, equip, and empower a new standard of municipal leadership, one with a commitment to excellence and that optimizes your council’s full potential.

1 – 1:50
Utility Billing Best Practices
William Yaracz
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 0.5 MMC
GW222
This session will explore effective billing practices tailored to today’s challenges. Attendees will learn strategies for modernizing operations even when using legacy software, ensuring compliance with state statutes and local ordinances that directly affect billing processes. The presentation will also address practical approaches to managing delinquent accounts, including write-offs and collections. Finally, we’ll highlight the growing importance of personalized customer service in a fast-evolving world, and how maintaining a human touch can improve outcomes and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re new to billing or a seasoned pro, this session offers actionable insights you can immediately apply.

2 – 2:50
Economic Update
TBA
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 0.5 MMC
GW222

2:50 – 3:10
Break
GW218 Hospitality Room

3:10 – 4:00
From Bill to Law: Decoding the Legislative Maze
Micah Richardson
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 0.5 MMC
GW225
Ever wonder what sort of maze a bill at the state level must go through to become a law? Join us for a journey through the legislative process, tailored for the people who keep local government running. We’ll also learn why some bills fly through while others fall to their death, and why (even if you’d prefer to tune out) it’s important for clerks and treasurers to know what’s going on. Whether you’re new to public service or just want a refresher, you’ll leave this session with a clearer understanding of how state-level decisions ripple down to your work, and how you can stay ahead of the curve.

4:10 – 5:00
WY Hunger Initiative
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 0.5 MMC
GW225
More information to follow.

5:00 – 6:00
Networking and Volunteer Leadership Opportunity – TBA
Personal care packages for Casper Area Food Banks and Social Services Organizations
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 0.5 MMC
GW225

Thursday 9/11

7am – 8am
Registration Check-in
GW221 Chapman Lobby

8:00 – 8:50
Breakout Sessions

Making the Most of Your Professional Development
WAMCAT Board Members, IIMC Representative, and APT Representative
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 0.5 MMC
GW225
Dive deeper into the workings of APT, IIMC, and WAMCAT. Join your Wyoming leadership team and APT and IIMC representatives to guide you through your certification journey. Bring your questions regarding the advantages to professional development and involvement opportunities with these associations. This is a valuable networking opportunity in addition to gaining successful tips toward completing your certifications.

No Pixie Dust Necessary: Delivering a Magical Financial Update
Joan Evans
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 0.5 MMC
GW222
Delivering a well-worded financial update is important, especially during volatile times. During this session, attendees will learn how to distill financial concepts into language that is both understandable and relatable to the masses. We will discuss ways to communicate challenging economic or market-related situations to boards and councils, including concepts such as unrealized losses or negative returns. We’ll also discuss ways you can potentially lean on your resources or investment advisor for these important conversations.

9:00 – 10:50

AI: A Guide to Municipal Success
Chris Astrella
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 1 MMC
GW225
Jump into AI’s exciting (and sometimes scary!) world and discover how it can revolutionize the Clerk’s role. This dynamic session explores AI’s history and practical applications in local government. Learn how AI tools can supercharge your efficiency, making your work life easier and more productive. We’ll tackle job security concerns, showing how AI is here to assist, not replace. You’ll gain insights into crafting effective AI policies and best practices, ensuring you can do more with less. Join Chris and unlock AI’s potential to remove work from your plate!

Cash Handling Program
Laurie Sheldon
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 1 MMC
GW222
This training is for public treasurers, clerks, and cash handlers to provide best practices and procedures to manage risk while handling and processing cash. Training is exactly what all your cash handlers need in order to understand the responsibilities and risks of accepting payments and processing transactions for your organization. Attendees will learn best practices for accepting all forms of payment, how to identify counterfeit currency, and the importance of customer service while minimizing risk and enhancing security. Designed for all cash handlers who work in your office or at remote locations throughout your organization.

11:00 – 12:00
Legislative Updates
Ashley Harpstreith
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 0.5 MMC
GW225
This session is presented by Ashley Harpstreith, the Executive Director of Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM). She will go over the legislative updates from the previous legislative session and will explain their impacts on municipalities, along with the clerks’ and treasurers’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the changes.

12:00 – 1:30
Lunch and WAMCAT Meeting
GW225

1:30 – 3:20

Why AI Can’t Replace You
Chris Astrella
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 1 MMC
GW225
Transform your communication skills and learn what AI can’t do for you! In this engaging class, master the art of crafting impactful press releases, winning grant proposals, and compelling social media content. Discover how to build strong connections with elected officials and constituents, and to advocate effectively. Chris will emphasize the importance of using plain language to ensure your message is clear and accessible. Join him to learn how to enhance your communication skills and make a lasting impression with every interaction.

Internal Controls
Laurie Sheldon
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 1 MMC
GW222
This training is designed to assist treasury and finance officers in assessing, documenting, and enhancing their internal control environment. Participants will learn how to develop an internal control policy and utilize internal control checklists to draft narratives and flowcharts that outline an entity’s control environment.

3:20 – 3:45
Break

3:45 – 5:00
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation
Matt Waldock
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 0.5 MMC
GW225
This course will provide an overview of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), detailing its role and the circumstances under which the Agency may become involved in cases. Additionally, there will be a discussion on the current trends of illegal drugs in Wyoming. Furthermore, it will outline the procedures and expectations for individuals or entities who may encounter the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

Friday 9/12

8:00 – 9:50

FLSA and FMLA
Marqui Siscoe
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 1 MMC
GW222
As a manager, understanding the basics of employment law isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. This session will provide a practical overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), focusing on what you really need to know to manage your teams effectively and legally.

Understanding the State of Wyoming F-66 Requirement
Charri Lara, Angie Johnson, and Kelley Millar
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 1 MMC
GW225
The F-66 requirement mandates that all local governmental entities submit an annual financial report to the Department of Audit. The F-66 provides a comprehensive overview of an entity’s financial activities for the fiscal year. You will learn how to comprehend the legal and regulatory framework governing the F-66 reporting requirement and identify the types of financial data required. This will enable entities to benefit from enhanced transparency and accountability, fostering public trust and aligning with best practices in governmental financial reporting. By adhering to the F-66 reporting requirement, Wyoming’s local governments and special districts demonstrate their commitment to fiscal responsibility and the prudent stewardship of public resources.

10:00 – 12:00
Closing Keynote
The Inner Advantage: Elevate Performance, Expand Possibility, Enhance Well-Being — Without Burning Out.
Caleb Campbell
Points – APT Pending, IIMC 1 MMC
GW225
In a world of relentless pressure and growing complexity, the external edge – discipline, drive, and performance – is no longer enough. This keynote introduces The Inner Advantage™, an internal upgrade that helps leaders and teams expand what’s possible while restoring what life’s pressures have worn down: their mental, emotional, and relational well-being. The Inner Advantage doesn’t remove the weight of life. It changes how you carry it so pressure becomes fuel, and success starts to feel good again. Because success today isn’t measured by how much you can carry, but by how good you feel while carrying it. Through powerful storytelling and actionable tools, Caleb guides audiences into a new way of leading and living. One where growth no longer costs your well-being, and the pressure of life becomes the catalyst for something greater.