Participants 2025

John Hogan

Secretary General, Department of Finance, Ireland

John McCarthy

Chief Economist, Government of Ireland, Ireland

John McCarthy is an Assistant Secretary General and as Chief Economist has responsibility for the Economic Division .

He was previously a senior economist in the Department heading up the macro economic analysis unit. He is the deputy member of the Economic and Financial Committee and the chair of the Economic Policy Committee (EPC) output gap working group.

He is a member of the National Statistics Board and an adviser to the National Competitiveness Council. He is the Irish member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Economic Policy Committee. Prior to joining the Department, he was a senior economist in the Central Bank.

Lord Gus O’Donnell

Former Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, United Kingdom

Gus O’Donnell served Prime Ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron as Cabinet Secretary and Head of Civil Service from 2005 to 2011. He stood down from this position at the end of 2011 and was appointed to the House of Lords in January 2012. He played a leading role in the preparations for the 2010 election, which eventually resulted in the formation of the UK’s first coalition government since the Second World War. He was awarded the CB, KCB and GCB for his services to government.

Prior to his role as Cabinet Secretary, Lord O’Donnell served as Permanent Secretary of the UK Treasury from 2002 -2005 and as Press Secretary to Prime Minister John Major from 1990-1994 .

From 1997-98, he was the UK Executive Director on the boards of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Lord O’Donnell spent most of his career with HM Treasury. In 1999 he was appointed Managing Director of Macroeconomic Policy and International Finance and was responsible for fiscal policy, international development, and European Union Economic and Monetary Union. During this period, he oversaw the production of the ‘five tests’ analysis for whether the UK should join the Euro.

He studied Economics at Warwick University and then Nuffield College, Oxford, before lecturing in political economy at the University of Glasgow. He has honorary doctorates from Warwick and Glasgow Universities.

His Excellency Mahmood Al-Aweini

Secretary General, Ministry of Finance, Sultanate of Oman

His Excellency Mahmood Al-Aweini presently serves as the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance and supervises the National Program for Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development (Estidamah). Previously, he held the position of The Program Director with a mission to lead initiatives supporting Oman Vision 2040 direction to upgrade of the financial sector in toward effective contributions to the economy of the sultanate.

Before his role in Estidamah program, His Excellency Mahmood Al-Aweini contributed to the National Program for Investment & Export Development (Nazdaher). His professional background includes various senior positions at local and international organizations, such as the energy giant BP, where he served in several leadership roles and lastly as a contracts and procurement advisor for the Middle East. Before that, he was the General Manager for Rawsi Oman Investment, which was a regional investment fund, specialized in green field projects and private equity. Notably, he also played a pivotal role in the establishment of Hutchison Ports Sohar and served as the head of the revenue and billing team. His career commenced as the head of the Trading and Supervision Department at the Muscat Stock Exchange.

With over than 20 years of practical experience, Al-Aweini has demonstrated proficiency in strategic institutional building and leadership. His expertise spans investment, business development, negotiation, and financial sector management. He has garnered notable achievements in the oil and gas sectors, logistics, and financial markets. Al-Aweini holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with honors and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Steve Barr

Global Senior Industry Digital Strategist, Microsoft

Steve Barr has over 30 years of business and IT experience, with strong relationship skills at all levels up to and including C-suite and ministerial level. His diverse background includes senior roles in consultancy, management, and digital strategy. Steve has provided thought leadership and program delivery across all sectors of the UK Public Sector, including Central Government, Defence, Education, Health, and Local & Regional Government. He is recognized as a Public Sector subject matter expert and has extensive industry knowledge in Tax and Customs collaborating with many teams across the world. Steve has delivered global keynotes on business-led innovation, technology as an enabler for business transformation, sustainability, security, and user/citizen experience. He has authored whitepapers on digital tax & customs, post-pandemic hybrid working, cloud security, and government sustainability.

Ingrid Blunt

Accountant General, Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance, Barbados

ngrid joined the Treasury Department in February of 2007 as a Senior Accountant. She subsequently moved to the position of Professional Accountant in September 2008 and Deputy Accountant General in January 2012. In October 2022 she took up the post of Accountant General.

Prior to joining the Treasury, she worked as a Statistician in the Barbados Statistical Service for 3 years before moving to the Ministry of Finance Trainee Professional Accountant in February 2004. During her period of Trainee Professional Accountant she was assigned to the Value Added Tax Division, the Inland Revenue Department, the Management Accounting Unit and the Barbados Audit Office.

Ingrid is a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants. She also hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Accounting and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Management, both from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

Yuriv Butsa

Government Commissioner, Public Debt Management, Ministry of Finance, Ukraine

He studied Economics at the National University “Kyiv Mohyla Academy” and the Central-European University in Budapest.

Throughout his career, he has held various financial positions in Ukraine, including at the Warsaw stock exchange Representative office in Ukraine, National Securities and Stock Market Commission, the Coordination Center for Economic Reforms, and the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine.

Currently, he serves as the Government Commissioner for Public Debt Management and Member of the Supervisory Board of the state-owned bank Ukeximbank.

He has been recognized for his work in the GlobalCapital Bond Awards.

Yuriy Butsa is fluent in English and Polish.

Itanielson Cruz

Deputy Secretary of Finance, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Itanielson Cruz is Deputy Secretary of Finance of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where he leads initiatives in fiscal policy, public investment, and institutional strengthening. During the 2024 state emergency, he coordinated financial responses and partnered with public banks to accelerate recovery. His work focuses on building economic resilience and improving public sector effectiveness.

Jolly De La Rosa

Director, Office of the Chief Economist, Department of Finance, Philippines

Ms. Jolly La Rosa is currently the Director IV of the Office of the Chief Economist at the Department of Finance. She has consulted for the International Finance Corporation – World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank on various projects covering macroeconomics, climate finance, project finance, SME finance, industrial corridor, and debt sustainability assessment. Previously, she was a research analyst at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, DC, and a policy specialist in the public sector. She received a Master of Arts in International Development from International University of Japan and a second Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University in the United States.

Mohamed El Amine Seghrouchni

Director of Control, Audit and Inspection, General Treasury of the Kingdom, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Kingdom of Morocco

Mr. Seghrouchni has over 31 years of experience within the General Treasury of the Kingdom of Morocco.

He currently serves as Director of Control, Audit, and Inspection. He also oversees the work of the secretariat of the Moroccan Observatory of Public Procurement. He also manages Artificial Intelligence projects at the General Treasury of the Kingdom of Morocco.

He has participated in the design and implementation of public finance information systems (Organic Finance Law, Integrated Expenditure Management system, Dematerialization of Financial and Accounting processes, Public e-procurement System, Government Payroll System and Government Accounting Reform).

Sarah Glavey

Head, Public Service Transformation Policy, Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Ireland

Sarah Glavey is Head of Public Service Transformation Policy at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Ireland. Prior to joining DPENDR in 2023, Sarah spent six years leading health service reform at the Department of Health, Ireland, and ten years working across the international development sector; in academia, non governmental organisations and international organisations including the World Bank. Sarah holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government as well as a MSc Occupational Psychology, and BA Psychology. 

Vonlee Harris

Accountant General, Ministry of Finance, Anguilla

Vonlee Harris was appointed as the Accountant General on May 3, 2019. In his role as Accountant General, he assumes the crucial responsibility of managing the Treasury within the Ministry of Finance.  As a dedicated, action-focused manager delivering first-rate results in complex and demanding environment, Mr. Harris strong focus on ensuring effective financial systems and adherence to Acts and Regulations, he plays a vital role in overseeing the efficient and accountable management of public funds with relentless ethics and contagious enthusiasm.

Mr. Harris has a wealth of experience, having served in various roles in the Government of Anguilla since 2005. He has held positions such as Clerical Officer, Approval Payables Officer, Principal Cashier, Accounts Officer Ledger and Bank Reconciliation, Accountant, and Deputy Accountant General since 2015.

Academically, Mr. Harris holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Information Technology, which he obtained in 2012. He further pursued his education and earned a Master’s of Science Degree in Management Studies with Distinction in 2018.  In addition to his role in the financial sector, Mr. Vonlee Harris serves as the Chairman of the National Youth Awards Committee,  Audit committee member for the Anguilla Social Security Board and  a distinguished member of the Health Authority Board of Directors and the Chairperson of the Finance and Audit Committee.

Valentina Ion

Director, Public Finance Strategy, Microsoft

Valentina leads Microsoft’s sales and industry solutions strategy, supporting ministries of finance, tax agencies, customs and trade agencies, national treasuries as well as financial market regulators, embarking on the digital transformation journey. She has a diverse background in industry sales strategy and execution, business management, as well as marketing and product management. With more than 23 years’ experience in ICT and business transformation Valentina is passionate about business re-engineering and technology innovation for a better economy and society. She is energised by people and is a strong believer that women are a cohesion and growth factor in every industry and organisation.

Mr Andrew LAI Chi-wah, JP

Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury), Hong Kong

Mr Andrew LAI Chi-wah joined the Administrative Service in July 1992.  He has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former City and New Territories Administration, the former Planning, Environment and Lands Branch, the Housing Department, the Civil Service Bureau and the Home Affairs Department.

Mr Lai was Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology from February 2009 to April 2012, Deputy Director of Environmental Protection from April 2012 to July 2016, Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury) from August 2016 to August 2020 and Director of Lands from August 2020 to July 2024. He assumed the post of Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury) on 23 July 2024.

Laércio Marques

Deputy Secretary, Secretariat of Finance, State of Sergipe, Brazil

Laércio Marques is a public servant since 2015, working in the career of Federal Auditor specialized in Finance and Treasury Control at the Brazilian National Treasury. He is currently serving as the Deputy Secretary at the Secretariat of Finance in the State of Sergipe.

Graduated in Mechanical Engineering, he began his professional career at Petrobras, the Brazilian oil and gas company, but later decided to change fields and specialize in public finances.

Throughout his career at the National Treasury, Laércio has held key roles, including overseeing systems development and data analysis at the Sub secretariat of Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as managing fiscal procedures at the Sub secretariat of Public Accounting. During this time, he gained extensive expertise in fiscal balance management, subnational risk analysis, and financial reporting.

Since January 2023, Laércio has focused on modernizing fiscal administration in Sergipe, with the primary goal of improving the state’s business environment, strengthening relationships with taxpayers, increasing revenue, and keeping fiscal balance. His efforts aim to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and create a more favorable climate for economic growth and sustainability.

Alexandra Romanova

Senior Director, Visa Government Solutions

Alexandra Romanova leads Visa’s Government Solutions (VGS) across the Baltic region, where she drives digital transformation initiatives related to payments within X2G & G2X flows, as well as strategic pan-European initiatives for VGS in Europe. With a strong background in strategic partnerships, commercialization, and multilateral collaboration, Alexandra plays a pivotal role in aligning Visa’s global capabilities with regional government priorities.

Alexandra joined Visa 7 years ago as Urban Mobility payments lead within different CEMEA markets, and 3 years ago Alexandra joined VGS and relocated to London from Dubai. Her work spans cross-functional leadership in smart cities, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive digital economies. Alexandra has contributed to high-impact initiatives across Europe, including strategic enablement programs and ideation platforms that support public-private innovation.

At the Global Government Finance Summit and Global Government Fintech Lab 2025, Alexandra brings her expertise in digital public payments infrastructure and cross-border collaboration to discussions shaping the future of government payments and financial inclusion.

Adam Stewart

Senior Director, UK & Ireland Public Sector, Visa Government Solutions

Adam leads Visa Government Solutions for UK & Ireland, to help build for a digital future. Adam works with stakeholders across public and private sectors, including large financial institutions, technology partners, system integrators and Fintechs, to deliver digital transformation projects across all aspects of Public Sector. Adam has worked in public sector technology for over twenty years. Prior to joining Visa in 2024, he worked at Google for over ten years where he led UK & I Public Sector for Google Cloud.

Nadia Sultan Abdulla Al Ali

Director, Government Procurement Platform Department, Ministry of Finance, United Arab Emirates

I bring extensive expertise in the strategic management and governance of government financial and Management Information System (MIS) projects, with a proven record in establishing and leading Project Management Offices (PMOs). My experience encompasses comprehensive project oversight, including charter development, stakeholder engagement, and meticulous management of scope, schedule, cost, quality, communications, and escalation protocols. I have demonstrated consistent success in directing project execution, monitoring, status reporting, and critical transition phases such as cutover and go-live.

My proficiency extends to full lifecycle Financial Management Information Systems’ implementations, encompassing package evaluation, system deployment, user training, data migration, testing phases, cutover planning, and post-implementation assessment. I have spearheaded strategic FMIS rollouts across multiple government entities, ensuring seamless integration and sustained operational support.

I have been entrusted with the establishment of key government departments, notably the Government Properties Department and the Government Public Procurement platform Department. In these roles, I exercise strategic leadership and independent judgment to develop and implement exemplary policies, procedures, and organizational frameworks that govern asset management—including valuation, depreciation, maintenance, and insurance—and ensure transparent, compliant procurement processes. I actively engage with federal and local government stakeholders to align operational objectives and regulatory requirements.

Additionally, I possess specialized knowledge in public debt and cash management policy formulation and market development. I provide high-level human resource leadership, including staffing decisions, performance management, disciplinary oversight, and budget administration. My capabilities extend to fostering internal and external relations, including with international organizations, and delivering robust financial planning, analysis, and reporting to support executive decision-making.

Sumaya Thani Alhamly

Government Assets Department Director, Ministry of Finance, United Arab Emirates

Sumaya Alhamly has extensive experience in the UAE public sector, has held key positions at the UAE Ministry of Finance, including:

• Director of Government Assets Department
• Director of Government Financial Policy & Procedures Department
• Director of Financial Operations Department

Sumaya has led high-impact initiatives to strengthen the UAE’s fiscal framework, including:

• Federal Asset Management: Overseeing the valuation and governance of federal properties to optimize efficiency and enhance the government’s financial position.
• Financial Transformation: Managing the Cash-to-Accrual Accounting Program, transforming financial reporting across federal entities.
• Treasury & Risk Management: Implementing the Treasury Management System (TMS) and developing policies to improve cash flow visibility, controls, and automation.
• Policy & Compliance: Establishing robust financial policies, KPIs, and standardized accounting practices (COA) to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Digital Finance Leadership: Driving the adoption of ERP systems and streamlined financial closing processes for improved decision-making.

João Boa Francisco Quipipa

Economist and Government Advisor, Chairman of Executive Board Member of UNICANDA (SU) S.A., Angola

João Boa Francisco Quipipa is public servant, career Advisor at Ministry of Finance from December 1996, today, since 2020, keep the position as Chairman of Executive Board Member of UNICANDA (SU) S.A., the agribusiness company 100% owned by UNITEL, S.A. 

He was previously, from 19^th of March of 2019 to May 2022 the Executive Board Member of UNITEL, S.A., the telecommunication company leader in Angola market, where Angolan State has interests (50% directly and 50% trough MS Telecom who its owned by public oil company Sonangol, E.P.)

From December 2016 to December 2017 the Chairman of Support Fund for Agrarian Development (FADA). From April to September 2016 he was the State Secretary for Treasury of Republic of Angola. From May 2013 to March 2016 he was the Head of the International Relations Cabinet (GERI) at the Ministry of Finance of Angola. From December 2013 to September 2014 he was the President of the Fiscal Council of SONANGOL, E.P. and from September 2014 to February 2018 he was the President of the Fiscal Council of Sovereign Wealth Fund of Angola (FSDEA).

He was member of the SADC Review Team for Malawi and Lesotho, under the SADC Macroeconomic Convergence (MEC) Peer Review Mechanism. João Quipipa also coordinated the Implementation of a Loan Agreement related to the Project PAGEF with the AfDB.

Previous roles have included: Chairman of the Council of Administration of Institute for Public Sector Enterprises (ISEP); Chief of Finance of Bengo Province as representant of the Minister of Finance; and Director of Planning and Studies of the Development Bank of Angola (BDA).

Chidozie Ofoego

Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Bermuda

Biography to follow shortly.

Saeed Jumae Al Xahrani

General Follow-up Specialist, Ministry of Defence, Saudi Arabia

Biography to follow shortly.