Vice President of Budget & Finance Candidate - Debbi Kill

Debbi Kill is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over three decades of financial management experience. Her strengths in the areas of financial management, analysis, strategic planning and reporting are combined with a solid background in computerized information systems and general accounting management. Her marine technology sector experience began in 2001 when she accepted the position of Financial Controller at International Submarine Engineering Ltd. As Controller, Debbi provided financial leadership in the design and build of unmanned submersible technologies. 

Debbi then turned her sights to the MATE ROV Competition as Chief Financial Officer and as Treasurer on the inaugural board of MATE Inspiration for Innovation (MATE II); a newly formed non-profit spun off from Monterey Peninsula College's MATE Center. She has also served for the last ten years as the Official Scorekeeper at the Pacific Northwest Regional MATE ROV Competition and the annual World Competition which is held in various locations throughout North America. 

She is a life member of the Marine Technology Society, and a member in good standing of the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society and the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia. As well as her CPA designation, she holds a business certificate in Computer Systems Technology from British Columbia Institute of Technology. She is a long time resident of the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. 

Indicate one or two key goals that you hope to accomplish in this position over the next 3 years:
I have been fortunate to be a part of the successful MATE ROV Competition move to MTS and the unprecedented growth of the society over the past 3 years. The society is moving in exciting directions and I would welcome the opportunity to bring my financial management and contract review skills and experience to ensure the society's continued success. My goal would be to free up cash for the development of programs and initiatives that promote and strengthen the society and its strategic partnerships while maintaining a very necessary rainy day fund at an optimum level. My past experience serving as VP of Finance for MTS and on various boards and organizing committees for OCEANS conferences has been very rewarding. I would also welcome the opportunity to use that experience to contribute to the financial and technical success of future conferences, workshops and symposiums, particularly where we can enhance youth engagement and the blue economy. 

Discuss the qualities and experience you possess that make you a strong candidate for the position for which you are running:
The vision of MTS is to be the leading authority and advocate for marine technology and resources while promoting member success and public understanding. These objectives cannot be met without sound financial practices to fund society activities that are necessary to achieve them. I have gained invaluable experience from previously serving as Treasurer and VP of Budget and Finance and on various boards and organizing committees for OCEANS conferences. This experience, combined with my formal training in financial and business management has culminated into a unique skill set necessary to bring solid financial expertise to MTS. Expertise that is essential to the society in meeting its long range goals and objectives. My entire 30+ year career has been spent successfully managing the finances, risk and human resources for small to medium sized enterprises including non-profits. I have achieved this success through the application of best practices in financial management, analysis and strategic planning as well as the development of practical and effective policy.