VML/VACo Finance Staff

VML/VACo Finance staff is responsible for management of all finance program operations. Think of us as an extension of your own staff, working for you. With our breadth of experience, we are always available to discuss finance-related issues, whether they concern financing, accounting, OPEB, or determining where to turn for specialized advice and information.

Robert W. Lauterberg, Managing Director

Lauterberg has served as Managing Director since the program’s inception in 2003. Previously, he was Executive Director of the Virginia Resources Authority (VRA), 1998-2002, during which he led the creation of VRA’s Pooled Loan Bond Program. Lauterberg’s financial experience includes serving as State Budget Director, 1994-1998, and in various management capacities for the Bell Atlantic Corporation, 1985-93. Lauterberg currently chairs the National League of Cities Public Finance Consortium and serves on the Board of Directors for Rural Economic Development Financial Services, Inc., the loan fund program subsidiary of the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project. He is a former member of the Boards of Directors of the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities and the National Association of State Budget Officers, and the Board of Visitors of George Mason University. In addition, he has served as a member of the Virginia College Building Authority and Virginia Debt Capacity Advisory Committee. Lauterberg holds a B.S. degree in economics from the University of Florida, and has an M.B.A. from the George Washington University.

Steven C. Mulroy, Deputy Director

Mulroy joined VML/VACo Finance in 2006, having served as a financial advisor with AXA Advisors. His previous public finance experience includes a combined ten years with Ferris, Baker Watts and Legg Mason Wood Walker. As an investment banker, Mulroy worked with a variety of tax-exempt borrowers ranging from municipalities to colleges to health care providers. He has successfully closed numerous bond issues, including fixed rate and variable rate bonds; and new money and refunding issues. Mulroy is currently serving as Executive Secretary of the Virginia Government Finance Officers’ Association. He is a founding member of the National League of Cities Public Finance Consortium. Mulroy earned an M.B.A. from New York University and graduated with a B.S. in finance from Villanova University. He also successfully passed the Level 1 Chartered Financial Analyst exam.

Caitlin A. Farrell, Financial Services Manager

Farrell joined VML/VACo Finance in 2011 as a manager and analyst for the Financing and OPEB Trust Fund programs. She also provides day-to-day management of the Virginia Government Finance Officers Association. Farrell’s background includes experience in the financial services and insurance sectors. She formerly worked at Travelers insurance as a claims analyst; she also worked as a financial representative with First Investors Corporation, where she worked with clients to develop financial strategies specific to each individual’s situation and goals. Farrell graduated from Longwood University with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Economics.

John Sieg, Senior Accounting Consultant

As Sr. Accounting Consultant, Sieg advises VML/VACo Finance staff and contractors on Accounting Services matters and consults directly with clients. He joined VML/VACo Finance in 2009, bringing extensive experience in all areas of local government finance, including financial reporting, budgeting, capital planning, development analysis, and debt management. Formerly the Director of Finance for Caroline County, Sieg’s career spans over 30 years in local government finance. In 2001, he was among the first group of government finance professionals to be awarded the designation of Certified Public Finance Officer by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). Sieg served for over 20 years as a member of the Special Review Committee for the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program. He holds a B.A. degree from San Jose State University.

Denise L. Sandlin, Accounting Manager

Sandlin joined VML/VACo Finance in 2010, having previously worked in local government finance for the City of Danville. Her experience includes serving as Director of Support Services for Danville Utilities and as a Business Systems Accountant in the City Finance Department. Sandlin works with Accounting Services clients, specializing in financial reporting, budgeting, capital projects, rate analysis, and software implementations. She holds a B.S. in Business Management from Central Washington State University; a B.S. in Accounting from Averett University; and a Masters in Accountancy from Liberty University.

Barbara J. Horlacher, Accounting Manager

Horlacher joined VML/VACo Finance in 2011, having served seven years as a senior accountant and budget/management analyst for AAA-rated Hanover County. There, she was responsible for producing all financial statements, preparing footnotes, and completing all year-end accrual entries, fixed asset entries, and reconciliations. In addition to assisting VML/VACo Finance Accounting Services clients, Horlacher serves as comptroller for the Virginia Local Government Finance Corporation and the VACo/VML Pooled OPEB Trust. A C.P.A., she holds a B.S. degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut. In addition, she has completed the post-baccalaureate Accounting Certificate Program at Virginia Commonwealth University