SE Women on the Move Affinity Group

Why you should consider a career in public service 

Nicolette Bateson

Whether you're just starting your career or are working as a seasoned professional, the thought of a total career transition can be daunting. In July, our speaker Nicolette N. Bateson, CFO and Treasurer for the Great Lakes Water Authority, will lead a lively discussion about making the transition from the for-profit world into public service. In addition, she'll share the support network and the wide range of career options available. 

Why consider a career in public service? This segment provides the opportunity to apply your expertise to make a difference every day. Learn how your skills and expertise in the corporate or non-profit world can transition to serving the public with essential need-based services. The lessons shared will also be applicable to those considering careers in other market segments including non-profits and various corporate vertical markets.

About our Speaker

Nicolette N. Bateson, CPA, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer. Nicolette is the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer for GLWA. Her service follows her tenure as the first CFO for DWSD which began in February 2013. In that role she led the Financial Services Area through a significant transformation effort engaging cross-functional teams to achieve sustainable change. The result was a professionalized department with an unprecedented demonstration of transparency to all stakeholders. This pivotal effort supported intensive, collaborative discussions that were essential to forming the Authority. In 2017, she was recognized as the Eastern Michigan University’s Master of Public Administration Program Public Administrator of the Year.

As a visiting specialist for the State and Local Government Program with Michigan State University Extension, Nicolette worked with state and local officials to address the needs of cities in fiscal stress. Her research, educational programs, and writings related to public-sector financial challenges are often cited. In her roles as Assistant City Manager and Finance Director in local government, she was responsible for strategic planning, financial turnaround, information technology, labor relations, employee benefit design, project management and deploying multi-year budgeting and long-range capital planning. Bateson’s professional career began with a national accounting firm serving clients in the construction, manufacturing, and nonprofit sector.

Nicollette earned a BBA in professional accountancy from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a MPA in Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University.

View Attendee List

Please plan to park in the lot in front of the building which can be accessed from Lakeview Drive (the road running between the Bank of America Building at 2600 W Big Beaver and Somerset Collection North).   The entrance to the building is under the portico adjacent to the parking lot.

Women on the Move Affinity Group meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. except during holiday weeks

Group Leadership

Dianne Freeman, dfreeman@townsendsearch.com, 248.765.0215

Carol Ward, ccward@frannet.com, 734.926.1000