Red Hook Public Library Trustee Candidate Questionnaire
Name: Grace Kachigian
Address : 430 E Kerley Corners Road, Tivoli, NY 12583
Telephone : 918‐313‐0189
E‐mail : grace.kachigian@gmail.com; gkachigian@kpmg.com
What are the skill sets that you believe you can bring to Red Hook Public Library?
As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), I believe I can bring a host of valuable skill sets to the Red Hook Public Library. A few examples include:
-
Financial Management: As a CPA, I am well‐versed in financial management, budgeting, and financial analysis. I can help the library manage their finances, create budgets, and make informed financial decisions.
-
Grant Management: Libraries often rely on grants to fund various projects and initiatives. As a CPA, I can assist in managing grant funds, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and preparing financial reports for grantors.
-
Internal Controls: CPAs are knowledgeable about internal control systems, which are essential for safeguarding assets and preventing fraud. I can help the library establish and maintain effective internal controls to protect their resources.
-
Financial Reporting: As an experienced CPA, I have expertise in financial reporting standards and can help the library prepare accurate and reliable financial statements. This is crucial for transparency and accountability to stakeholders, such as governing boards, donors, and the public.
-
Audit and Compliance: With a background in auditing not‐for‐profit entities, I can assist the library in preparing for audits, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and addressing any audit findings or recommendations.
-
Strategic Planning: As a CPA, I can contribute to strategic planning initiatives by providing financial insights and analysis. I can help the library evaluate the financial feasibility of new programs or services and assess the potential impact on the organization's financial health.
-
Cost Analysis: I am able to conduct cost analysis to identify areas where the library can optimize spending, reduce costs, or improve efficiency. This can help the library make informed decisions about resource allocation.
These are just a few examples of the skill sets that I believe I can bring to the library with my educational and professional experience.
Why would you like to serve on the Red Hook Public Library Board?
I value the library in our community and strongly believe it provides an important resource and equity for all in our community. I have personally benefited from library programming – I have taken sewing classes, and checked out numerous books, magazines, and audiobooks but my entire family has participated in children’s story time, borrowed books and toys, attended petite Picasso programs, nature walks, and a host of cultural programs. The library has provided my family with passes to
museums and activities that we may not have otherwise been able to afford. In addition, it has provided an invaluable place to meet other young families and a safe space to bring our entire family to get out of the house. I really appreciate all of the hard work and effort that goes in to making these resources available. Serving on the board is a wonderful chance for me to collaborate with individuals who share a common interest in supporting the library.
In addition, I am a mother to three young children (Mason – 6, Maddie – 4, and Evie – 2) and have a strong passion for education and believe in the importance of libraries as educational resources for children (and adults). Serving on the library board would allow me to contribute to the development and enhancement of library services that benefit my own family as well as the community. In addition, serving on the library board provides a wonderful opportunity for community involvement and a way for me to make a positive impact. I can help ensure the library meets the needs of families and children in the community by actively participating in shaping the library’s policies and programs.
Serving on the library board will be a fulfilling and rewarding experience that will surely allow for personal growth and development along the way. It will provide an opportunity to enhance my leadership skills, gain experience in governance and decision‐making, and contribute to the overall betterment of my community.
What is your vision for Red Hook and how can the library help the Village and Town move into the future?
My vision for Red Hook is for our community to continue to grow our cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to provide a safe and supportive place for all in our charming and historic village. My hope is that our community will feel like home and our neighbors will become family.