Jenny Kerzman

Leaving behind my family and my homeland, Panama, was not easy.  There I was, a 20 yr. old carrying only two suitcases, with limited English but big dreams, I was embarking on a journey that would lead me to unexpected places but excited for the opportunity to chase the “American dream”. 

‍

The path wasn't straightforward. I started my treasury career in the private sector, working in fancy offices with all the trimmings. Unfortunately, I found myself as a casualty of corporate restructuring just before the terrible events of 9/11, which made the search for another corporate job almost impossible. That's when a treasury position with the City of Arlington caught my eye. I needed a job, no time to think if going into the public sector was right for me, but I am glad I went for it.

‍

At first, it was a shock. The transition from sleek corporate offices to City Hall was jarring. Then I got the opportunity to become the Assistant City Treasurer in my now adopted home, Fort Worth, and that changed everything.  It was no longer just a job; it was a calling to be a public servant.  I embraced the challenge and the responsibilities that came with serving my City, knowing that by doing a good job, I was helping my neighbors, my family, my city. I was honored to use my treasury experience to ensure appropriate banking services, suitable investment options, and to avoid wasteful spending. 

‍

Now, I am the Assistant Director of Treasury for the City of Dallas.  A bigger city, more responsibilities, but same commitment to serve a larger number of residents.  There was a time I went to visit my family in Panama and got on a plane to return. I thought, “Oh, I can't wait to get home.” And then it dawned on me - this is home. It was a profound realization, one that solidified my commitment to public service.  The fancy office? Yeah, that was nice, but the reward you get from working for the public, for your city, there is nothing like it. It completely changed my perspective on what's truly valuable in a career.

‍

Public service is in my blood. My parents were both teachers in Panama, and I briefly followed their example as I worked part time teaching Spanish after arriving to this magnificent country.  It's this sense that money is not your drive. It's this sense of helping and educating, perhaps shaping the future, and somehow making your little contribution.

‍

When I left the City of Fort Worth, I briefly went back to the private sector.  I needed a higher salary to put my son through college and my daughter in private school.  But then I saw the posting for the position of Assistant Director of Treasury at the City of Dallas, and I said, “I'm going back.” It was a conscious decision to return to public service.

‍

Public service to me means dedication, responsibility, and pride.  In my current role, I oversee all aspects of treasury operations for the City of Dallas. From cash management and banking to investments and debt management, my team and I work tirelessly to ensure the city's financial health. We issue bonds, manage commercial paper programs, and the master lease program to facilitate the purchase of large items like fire trucks.

‍

But it is not just about managing money. It is about being innovative and finding ways to improve our community. Recently, I have been working closely with our Office of Equity and Inclusion on bringing equity into the bond issuance process. It's challenging, but these are the kinds of initiatives that make public service so rewarding; we are working hard to improve the lives of our residents.

‍

{{spotlight}}

‍

‍

Public service isn't always easy. The pay isn't always competitive with the private sector, and sometimes the public perception of government workers can be challenging. But for those of us who are called to this work, the rewards are immeasurable. We are not just employees – we are custodians of public trust, working every day to make our communities better.  We all want to leave our city in a better place than how we found it, and we are the ones who must do it.

‍

The highlight of my public service career was when I went to Austin to oppose a bill on behalf of the City of Dallas. Being out there in the Capitol in front of those senators was just mind-boggling. I thought, “here's this Panamanian girl talking to the State of Texas senators on behalf of the 9th largest city in the US”.

‍

It was a moment that crystallized just how far I'd come and the impact I was able to make. 

‍

This experience is just one example of the unique opportunities public service can provide. Where else could I, an immigrant who came to this country with limited English, end up influencing state policy on behalf of millions of people?  As government employees, we need to not hide. We need to be proud. We are here. We are good people. We are decent. We are honest. We are smart. We are committed. Be proud that you are there to serve. 

‍

One of the challenges we face in public service is attracting and retaining talent, especially young professionals. That is why I'm passionate about mentoring the next generation of public servants, including Dallas’ very own Debt Administrator, Filicia Hernandez. She is brilliant, dedicated, and embodies the spirit of public service. Watching her grow and succeed gives me hope for the future of our field. 

‍

I’m also proud to be a member of the DFW Hispanic 100 which is a foundational leadership organization to advance leadership roles for women and Latinas.  I’m grateful for the support that I have received from Dallas’ executive team and for the opportunity to show that the City of Dallas is committed to diversity and to connecting with local groups doing good work. 

‍

To anyone considering a career in public service, I would say this: Don't be afraid to make that change, to find fulfillment not by the dollar signs, but by the impact you can make. The rewards you will get from doing a good job to benefit your community means so much more than a dollar sign. 

‍

Se responsable y dedícate a tú trabajo con orgullo. Recuerda que lo que haces, lo haces por el beneficio de tú familia, y toda tú comunidad.

(Be responsible and proudly dedicate yourself to your work. Remember that what you do, you do it for the benefit of your family and your community.)

‍