PhAMAS

Panel Discussion

Thursday, May 29

Geopolitical & Macro Risk Outlook: What it Means for Public Finance

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025

Time: 
3:30 - 4:30 pm: in-person panel event
4:30 - 5:30 pm: in-person reception

Location:
Ballard Spahr
1735 Market Street, 48th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Speaker:
Major General (Ret.) James A. "Spider" Marks

General Marks is the Founder and President of The Marks Collaborative, an advisory for corporate leader development, education and training and has led entrepreneurial efforts in global primary research and national security. He served over 30 years in the Army holding every command position from infantry platoon leader to commanding general and was the senior intelligence officer in the Balkans, Korea, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He culminated his career as the Commanding General of the US Army Intelligence Center and School at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

He has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf cluster, Bronze Star, and multiple combat, expeditionary and service ribbons. General Marks is a Master parachutist, authorized to wear Korean and Canadian Airborne wings, Air Assault qualified, and Honor Graduate of the US Army Ranger School. General Marks is a national security contributor to CNN and member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame.

Moderator:
Sara Ketchum, Academy Securities

Ms. Ketchum is a Director at Academy Securities within the public finance group specializing in municipal credit analysis for issuers nationwide. Prior to joining Academy, Ms. Ketchum began her career in municipal finance as an analyst at Ambac Assurance, working with both the Housing and Northeast regions for 6 years. Post Ambac, Sara has worked as a municipal analyst for both Fitch Ratings and Wells Fargo Bank in New York City covering many North East Region issuers. Ms. Ketchum has a BS in Mathematics from Syracuse University, an MBA from Pace University, and has a Series 52 certification.

Please note that this event is not open to members of the press.

Cost:
$35 for members of PhAMAS/NFMA
$50 for non-Members
Representatives of government, nonprofit organizations, or students can attend for free. Contact Bonnie Tessler for assistance.

Click HERE to Register

Please contact Ted Molin with any questions.

The Philadelphia Area Municipal Analyst Society (PhAMAS) is a not-for-profit association with members located in the Philadelphia region, including southern New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.