2:00 – 3:15: Financial Orientation Workshop

Hosted by Bethany Tory, Director of Operations, and Ken Blonski, Finance Manager, both of CRKN, this session is targeted to Library Directors, Collections Managers and finance personnel. A review of the audited financial statements takes participants through the detail of CRKN’s financial status and illustrates the governance behind supporting policies. It reviews CRKN’s overall financial processes, policies and management including the FY09-10 approved budget, invoice process and timing, foreign exchange policy and use of forward contracts, and the new interest on overdue accounts policy. The session concludes with a Q&A.

As Director of Operations, Bethany is responsible for the functional areas of IT, Finance, Facilities and Human Resources. Joining CRKN before its incorporation, Bethany took responsibility for, among other things, by-law development and the incorporation process. Since then she has spearheaded the financial transition from the University of Ottawa to establish CRKN as a separate organization, and led the project for opening independent administrative offices. She is the staff resource for the Finance & Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee, as well as the lead on the annual audit process which has delivered consistent unqualified opinions.

Her main focus is to anticipate members’ changing needs so that she can develop and implement strategies to mitigate outside risk and increase offer predictability. The new policies on foreign exchange and ‘interest on overdue accounts’ are recent achievements that deliver both stronger governance as well as member services. Bethany earned her MBA from Queen’s University and her BA in Political Science and Law from Carleton University.

As Finance Manager, Ken is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of CRKN financial policies and procedures, as well as offering strategic and functional support for the Finance & Audit Committee.

Ken has ten years experience working in both for-profit and not-for profit organizations. In his previous position with a northern-based aviation company, he was responsible for preparing financial statements for a group of companies, upgrading accounting systems and designing and implementing internal controls to be consistent with CFO certification. During his time there, he was instrumental in transitioning reporting requirements as the organization moved from a private to a public enterprise. Prior to that, he worked as a consultant designing, customizing and troubleshooting accounting systems for industry and government clients.

Ken is active in the volunteer community and has served in as treasurer for the Yellowknife ski club, for the Strathcona Housing Cooperative and for the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre. He earned an MBA from Queen’s University and a BCom from the University of Alberta. He achieved his CMA designation in 2001 in Alberta.

Dyna is responsible for planning, developing, producing and implementing communications programs for both internal and external audiences and corresponding promotional activities among multiple CRKN stakeholders, including libraries, universities, research communities, funding agencies, government and media. Working closely with the Content Program Directorate, the Communications Manager distills CRKN's strategic vision, business goals, opportunities, threats and trends into an effective communications plan that positions CRKN appropriately in relation to its current and emerging landscape.