Empowering Small Businesses & Governments for Shared Success

Governments, businesses, and communities thrive when we share ideas, embrace technology, and serve people first.” ‘Real impact happens when we merge our passion for service with strong financial stewardship.’”In this episode, we dive deep into the art of balancing public-sector finance, technology, and human relationships. Our guest, Melinda M. Gildart, shares her personal journey—from working as a high-level government finance leader in Chicago to launching her own consulting practice aimed at optimizing processes, empowering small businesses, and bridging global opportunities.Melinda M. Gildart is the owner and founder of GilFlo Consulting Services, based in Austin, TX. With Gilflo Consulting, Melinda strives to assist states and local governments with their backoffice finance operations, major accounting initiatives, business process improvements and ERP consulting, etc. Prior to establishing her own consulting firm, Melinda served in leadership roles in the Financial Management Division at the Texas Department of Transportation. In this role, Melinda oversaw the Budget and Forecasting, Accounting and Reporting, Federal Funds and Project Accounting, Accounts Payable/Receivable functions, as well as the Annual Financial Audit and Federal Single Audit. Melinda is a past chair and current member of GFOA's Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting Committee and previously, Melinda served as the Chief Financial Officer of Manor ISD in Manor, TX and the Controller for Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s third largest school district. Melinda led her staff in developing and implementing district wide financial policies and internal controls, as well as managed its accounting, finance, grants and disbursements departments. CPS' Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Popular Annual Financial Reports, include reporting for over 600 public and charter schools. With nearly 25 years of governmental finance experience, Melinda has also served in other senior finance roles at the federal, state and local levels, namely with the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, Illinois Finance Authority and the US General Services Administration. Melinda holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Accounting, a Master of Business Administration from Roosevelt University and she is a licensed certified public accountant in Texas and Illinois.☑️ How government finance and technology can collaborate for better public service☑️ Insights on building resilient teams and enduring relationships☑️ Strategies for supporting small businesses and mom-and-pop shops☑️ The importance of an ecosystem approach to problem-solving☑️ Opportunities in foreign government consulting and Africa’s growth potentialTo connect with Melinda or inquire about her consulting services, visit:https://www.gilfloconsulting.com/Or find her on LinkedIn: / cpamba1 Thanks for watching!------------------------💻 Book a Call: https://calendly.com/kasthurihenry 🛜 Check out another series on my channel:Website: https://www.kashenry.com/Linkedin: / dr-kasthuri-henry-phd-ctp-six-sigma-black-... Facebook: / drkashenry Instagram: / kasthurihenry ---------------------------------------------#GovernmentFinance #PublicSectorInnovation #SmallBusinessGrowth #TechForGood #GlobalCollaboration