Gera McGuire Associate Managing Director, US Public Finance Group Moody's Investors Service

Gera McGuire is an Associate Managing Director in the Local Governments Ratings Team; located in Dallas, Texas. She manages a team of analysts covering credits in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Gera leads multiple analytical and operational projects for the Public Finance Group including heading the training team as the Regional Training Coordinator and as a leader in the Advancement of Customer Service. Gera currently serves on the Board of the Southern Municipal Finance Society as the Education Chair and is a member of the Mentor committee for the Northeast Woman in Public Finance.

Prior to joining Moody’s, Gera was a manager in the private sector and at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Gera holds an MPA from the University of North Texas, and a BAAS from The University of North Texas.

Nick Samuels SVP - Senior Credit Officer, States and High Profile Ratings Team Moody's Ratings

Nick Samuels is a Senior Vice President for the States and High Profile Ratings Team covering credits for the state of Texas, New York City, and the District of Columbia.

Prior to joining Moody’s, Nick worked for the National Association of State Budget Officers analyzing state fiscal and expenditure trends. Nick holds a BA degree in government from Skidmore College and a Master’s in Public Administration from the George Washington University.

Adebola Kushimo Vice President – Senior Credit Officer Moody's Investors Service

Bola Kushimo is a Vice President - Senior Credit Officer on the Southwest Local Government Ratings Team located in Dallas. She is responsible for credits in Oklahoma and Texas.

Prior to joining Moody’s, Bola worked for AmeriCredit Financial Services in Arlington TX. Bola holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of North Texas, and a Honors B.S. in Psychology from University of Texas, Arlington.

Kenneth Surgenor AVP-Analyst Moody's Investors Service

Ken Surgenor is an Analyst for the Dallas Local Governments Ratings Team covering credits primarily in Missouri, Kansas, Louisiana, and Texas. He is the lead analyst for Missouri local governments. Ken also serves on the Enterprise Risk Task Force.

Prior to joining Moody’s, Ken worked for the City of San Antonio in the Office of Management and Budget. Ken holds a Master’s of Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M University and a BS from the University of Texas at Dallas

Julie Meyer Assistant Vice President - Analyst Moody's Investors Service

Julie Meyer is an Assistant Vice President - Analyst on the Global Project and Infrastructure Finance team at Moody’s and is based in Dallas. Julie covers a diverse portfolio of infrastructure issuers in public power and transportation including airports, toll roads, and seaports as well as project finance issuers. Prior to joining Global Project and Infrastructure Finance, Julie worked on the Moody’s Local Government team covering cities, counties, school districts, municipal utilities, and special districts. 

Julie has a BA in Political Science from Washington State University and an MPA from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.