November 14, 2025 — The Stockton Port District (Port) is proud to announce it has received the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. The Port first received this award in 1979 and in subsequent years, although not consecutively until 1999. The Port has earned this recognition for 25 consecutive years.
“Receiving this recognition for 25 consecutive years underscores the Port’s enduring commitment to accountability and excellence,” said Port Director Kirk DeJesus. “It demonstrates the Port’s continued dedication to integrity and responsible operations.”
“Every year, our goal is to produce the Port’s annual financial report in an organized and transparent manner for Port stakeholders,” said Director of Finance & Accounting Paula O’Keefe. “Our Finance and Accounting team works extremely hard to consistently deliver an accurate and detailed account of our annual financial activities, and we are proud to be recognized with this prestigious award for the 25th year in a row.”
The individuals primarily responsible for developing and submitting the award-winning ACFR are Paula O’Keefe, Director of Finance & Accounting; Esmerelda Correa, Controller; and Michelle Chavez, Senior Accountant. Other members of the Finance team who worked on this submission include Lesli Gritts, Assistant Manager, Accounting; Jazmin Jimenez, Accountant; Kristy Emerson, Accounting Technician; and Julie Andereggen, Administrative Assistant II.
The report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the highest standards of the program, which include demonstrating a spirit of transparency and full disclosure. Receiving this award represents a significant accomplishment for the Stockton Port District. Whether directly or indirectly, every division of the Port contributed to achieving this award, which symbolizes the Port’s ongoing commitment to excellence and transparency.
“The Board of Commissioners commends the Finance and Accounting team for their diligence and accuracy,” said David B. Atwater, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “Their work ensures the Port remains transparent and trusted by our partners, stakeholders, and the public.”
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The program was established in 1945 to encourage state and local government agencies to go beyond meeting minimal reporting requirements by preparing and publishing an easily readable and understandable annual comprehensive financial report covering all funds and financial transactions of the government during the fiscal year.
