2026 KSGFOA Conference
The Kansas Government Finance Officers Association is pleased to present a series of workshops for those involved in the financial affairs of municipalities, counties, schools, state agencies, utilities, and special authorities. The 27th annual conference will be held October 21 – 23, 2026 in Olathe, Kansas.
Olathe Conference Center at Embassy Suites | Olathe, KS
10401 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, KS 66061
2026 KSGFOA Hotel Information
Embassy Suites By Hilton – Olathe, KS
10401 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, KS 66061 (map)
Room Rate:
$182.00 a night
Block closes:
September 19, 2026
Keynote Speaker: Ty Bennett
Ty Bennett is a world-renowned speaker, bestselling author, and successful entrepreneur who is redefining leadership and high performance for today’s world. With a dynamic blend of real-world experience, research-backed insights, and captivating storytelling, Ty helps leaders, sales professionals, and organizations unlock high performance, build stronger…
Redefining High Performance: Lessons from Ninja Warrior
High performance is no longer about grinding longer or pushing harder – it’s about working smarter, sustaining excellence, and driving results that last.
In this high-energy keynote, Ty Bennett challenges conventional thinking and shares proprietary, research-backed insights that redefine what it takes to perform at the highest level – personally and organizationally. With over 2,000 presentations delivered worldwide and real-world experience as a successful entrepreneur and CEO, Ty distills complex ideas into immediately actionable strategies your team can use to lead better, sell more, and perform higher.
The New Rules of High Performance:
- Leadership strategies that drive real, measurable results. When leaders elevate their performance, everything changes—teams become more engaged, execution sharpens, retention improves, and sales accelerate.
- Strategies your team needs to sell smarter, not harder – creating a repeatable system for sustained growth, efficiency, and market dominance. It’s not just about bigger numbers; it’s about building long-term sales success.
- This session blends high-energy performance with powerful insights on achieving peak results. Just like top athletes and elite performers, high achievers in business must be agile, adaptable, and mentally strong to overcome challenges and excel at the next level.
To bring these lessons to life, two elite athletes will take the stage for a live Ninja Warrior course demonstration, illustrating the principles of focus, adaptability, and peak performance in real time.
This is more than a keynote – it’s an unforgettable, high-impact experience designed to help your team conquer challenges, embrace change, and reach the next level of performance.
Printable Keynote Information
Join the Board!
The board meets quarterly at an agreed upon central location, traditionally in Emporia. Board members are asked to attend the annual conference held in the Fall. The board provides leadership, oversight, and decisions around: conference planning; education offerings, membership outreach and marketing; information/announcement development; and all other business of the Kansas Government Finance Officers Association. Wichita State University provides planning and staff support services to the board. The Board leads the activities of the Strategic Plan and will continue to provide direction on how to enhance the Association. Board members will also receive emails in between board meetings to provide feedback and input on items that may come up.
The following terms are open for 2027:
Two – 2-year term board member positions
one – 1-year unexpired term board member position
Topics
Click the topic below for more:
Pre Conference Session
Session Description
Wednesday, October 21st – Pre-Conference
Leading from Where You Are: Practical Leadership for Finance Officers
Time: 1:30PM – 4:30PM
Room: Salon D
True leadership isn’t about a title, it is about your ability to positively influence others through courage, character, relationships, and service. Designed specifically for public finance professionals (changed from “municipal professionals”), this highly interactive 3-hour workshop offers practical, actionable strategies to enhance your leadership impact from any position in the organization. Grounded in the reality of public stewardship, participants will explore how to lead themselves daily, navigate workplace conflict with courage, build authentic professional relationships, and champion a healthy organizational culture that promotes excellence. Walk away with a customized Personal Leadership Development Plan built to align your core values with daily action.
Speaker Information
Dr. Christopher J. Jochum – Founder & CEO, Leadership Solutions, LLC
Dr. Christopher J. Jochum is the founder and CEO of CJ Leadership Solutions, LLC, where he partners with organizations worldwide to develop healthy, transformative cultures that attract and retain elite talent by developing elite leaders. Chris has close to three decades of experience as a K-12 teacher and college professor and currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Teacher Education at Fort Hays State University. He is also a sought-after speaker and trainer, host of The Department Chair Leadership Podcast, and the author of three leadership books.
Conference Sessions
Session Description
Thursday, October 22nd – Conference
Internal Controls
Time: 9:45AM – 10:45AM
Room: Salon A
Explore practical internal control strategies that help local governments reduce risk, prevent fraud, strengthen accountability, and safeguard public resources.
Speaker Information
Jami Benyshek – CPA/Principal, Adams Brown
Jami Benyshek, CPA, is a Principal with AdamsBrown, LLC and has specialized in governmental auditing and accounting since 2018. She obtained her CPA license in 2015 and currently serves as Chair of the Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide (KMAAG) Board of Editors, helping shape audit, financial reporting, and compliance guidance for Kansas local governments. Jami earned bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Finance from Fort Hays State University in 2013 and joined AdamsBrown that same year, where she has developed a practice focused on serving governmental entities across Kansas. She primarily serves cities, counties, townships, school districts, mental health facilities, rural water districts, libraries, and special districts throughout Kansas, with clients located along each of the state’s four borders. Jami regularly advises her clients on auditing, internal controls, budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance matters. She lives in Hays with her husband and two daughters.
Session Description
Thursday, October 22nd – Conference
What Your Auditor Wishes You Knew
Time: 9:45AM – 10:45AM
Room: Salon B
An engaging look at common audit frustrations, avoidable mistakes, and simple changes that can save time, reduce stress, and create a smoother audit for everyone.
Speaker Information
Kayla Williams – Principal, Shipley & Williams CPAs, LLC
Kayla Williams, CPA, is a partner with Shipley & Williams CPAs, LLC, where she specializes in auditing, accounting, and consulting services for local governments and nonprofit organizations. With more than 11 years of experience, Kayla works closely with finance officers to navigate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and year-end accounting challenges. In addition to audit services, she provides practical consulting in areas such as financial cleanup projects, accounting process improvements, and Excel-based solutions to help finance teams work more efficiently. Kayla serves as Chair of the Kansas Municipal Audit and Accounting Guide (KMAAG) Board of Editors and is a frequent presenter on governmental accounting and auditing topics. She is passionate about providing practical, real-world guidance that attendees can immediately apply within their organizations. Kayla lives in the Wichita area and enjoys supporting Kansas local governments through education, collaboration, and professional service.
Session Description
Thursday, October 22nd – Conference
Why Great Leaders Demand Order: Valuing Sequence and Substance
Time: 12:40PM – 1:30PM
Room: Salon DEF
In this interactive session, participants will learn why the sequence of variables is just as important as their substance. Similar to a recipe, effective leaders understand exactly when to implement specific priorities to achieve the desired result, such as recognizing that chasing metrics before building morale, or forcing a strategic plan before establishing a healthy culture, can cause the entire effort to fall flat. Join this session to discover how to execute goals and initiatives in a way that effectively balances both sequence and substance.
Speaker Information
Dr. Christopher J. Jochum – Founder & CEO, Leadership Solutions, LLC
Dr. Christopher J. Jochum is the founder and CEO of CJ Leadership Solutions, LLC, where he partners with organizations worldwide to develop healthy, transformative cultures that attract and retain elite talent by developing elite leaders. Chris has close to three decades of experience as a K-12 teacher and college professor and currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Teacher Education at Fort Hays State University. He is also a sought-after speaker and trainer, host of The Department Chair Leadership Podcast, and the author of three leadership books.
General Session
Thursday, October 22nd – Conference
Navigating the Kansas Legislature
Time: 1:45PM – 2:45PM
Room: Salon DEF
As Government Affairs Director for the League of Kansas Municipalities and Mayor of Topeka, Spencer Duncan has unique insight on the issues expected to generate the most debate during the 2027 Kansas legislative session, will examine how November election results may influence legislative priorities and dynamics, and offer practical guidance for communicating effectively with lawmakers.
Speaker Information
Spencer Duncan – Government Affairs Director/Mayor, League of Kansas Municipalities/City of Topeka
Spencer serves as Government Affairs Director for the League of Kansas Municipalities, representing cities across the state working on policy and legislative issues. He also serves as Mayor of Topeka, having been sworn in in 2026 after previously serving on the Topeka City Council.
A lifelong Topekan, Spencer is focused on strengthening neighborhoods, expanding housing, improving infrastructure, and ensuring a strong future for families and businesses. He is owner of Capitol Connection, a government affairs consulting firm, and a former award-winning journalist.
Spencer holds a B.S. Journalism and B.A. in English from the University of Kansas and a Master’s in Business Administration from Baker University. He and his wife, Barbara, are also owners in Clayton Wealth Partners in Topeka and Lawrence, have a son in middle school and are active supporters of arts and community initiatives.
Session Description
Thursday, October 22nd – Conference
Procurement Opportunities: Request for Proposals
Time: 2:50PM – 3:50PM
Room: Salon A
Discover the fundamentals of a Request for Proposal (RFP). In this session learn the core components in RFPs to solicit, evaluate vendors, and secure the best value for your projects.
Speaker Information
Chris Haislett – Contract Compliance Officer, City of Wichita
Chris Haislett is the Contract Compliance Officer and Small Business Development Officer with the City of Wichita Purchasing Division and has been in this role with the City for 16 years. He is a buyer and also manages the City’s Small & Emerging Business Enterprise (S/EBE) program; including S/EBE certification, vendor training, workshops, and all vendor outreach. He has served on the board of the Kansas Association of Public Purchasing Professionals, is a US Army veteran, and graduate of Pittsburg State University. He has been married for 32 years to Jennifer, and they have three amazing adult children and welcomed his first grandchild last year. He loves soccer-Sporting Kansas City and Manchester United, KU basketball, weightlifting, running, and travel.
Josh Lauber – Purchasing Manager, City of Wichita
Job Description: As the Purchasing Manager for the City of Wichita, Josh is responsible for directing the City’s purchasing activities. The purchasing office performs the centralized purchasing of City goods and services with a strategic focus on continued electronic processes and efficiencies in the City’s procurement system. The primary goal is to obtain the greatest value for each dollar spent by the City of Wichita in the procurement of commodities and services for City departments while ensuring fairness and integrity in accordance to the law and regulations. Purchasing implemented the new Tyler Munis procurement system and their vendor self-service portal module in 2020 known as e-procurement (via the Internet) which allows vendors to register online, receive and submit bids, check the status of invoices, and receive ACH payments.
Education: Josh received his Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management and Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Wichita State University. Additionally, Josh successfully achieved the requirements in education, personal development, and professional responsibility as a Certified Professional in Supply Management in 2023 from Institute for Supply Management, Inc.
Background: Josh started with the City of Wichita in March 2022 as a senior buyer, was promoted to Purchasing Manager in 2023. Prior to his current position with the City of Wichita, Josh began his public procurement career at Sedgwick County in 2017, was promoted to a Buyer in 2018, and Senior Buyer in December 2019 shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences gave Josh a well-rounded perspective of the varying needs and requirements of internal and external stakeholders of varying levels from the departmental level to the needs and challenges of being in a procurement office in a leadership role.
Josh also currently serves on the board of the Institute for Supply Management, Inc. – Wichita chapter. Prior to serving with the Wichita chapter of ISM, Josh served in various officer roles including President of the Kansas Association of Public Purchasing Professionals chapter, which is part of the National Institute of Government Purchasing association.
Session Description
Thursday, October 22nd – Conference
AI Without an IT Department: A Practical Guide for Small Local Governments
Time: 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM
Room: Salon B
This session presents a practical look at AI adoption in local government and public finance, covering KORA implications, shared workspaces, tailored use-cases, and a framework for spotting new opportunities.
This session explores what effective AI adoption looks like in the distinctive context of local government and public finance. Designed for municipal employees, it focuses on practical, day-to-day applications: using AI tools within a shared team workspace, integrating them into existing workflows, and building the judgment to spot where they add real value.
Speaker Information
Josiah Watney – Assistant to the City Manager/AI Adoption Lead, City of Goddard
Josiah Watney serves as the Assistant to the City Manager and AI Adoption Lead for the City of Goddard, Kansas. In this role, without an in-house IT department to lean on, he has worked to ensure the city is fully and responsibly leveraging AI technologies — including developing a city-wide AI policy, transitioning the city to Claude Teams, and conducting staff-wide training sessions on how to use these tools as more than a chatbot. Before joining Goddard, Josiah worked in Senator Jerry Moran’s office, where he used AI to build a database identifying funding needs across all 105 Kansas counties and to automate the press team’s daily workflow. His other experience spans energy development consulting and government affairs. Josiah is a graduate of Friends University, where he earned a B.S. in Finance and a B.A. in History and Politics and served as Student Body President.
Session Description
Thursday, October 22nd – Conference
GFOA is Rethinking Financial Reporting
Time: 4:00PM – 5:00PM
Room: Salon DEF
This session will provide an overview of the work GFOA is doing on rethinking financial reporting, focusing on efforts to minimize the time and cost of complying with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles including by properly utilizing the concept of materiality.
Speaker Information
Michele Mark Levine – Director/Technical Services, GFOA of the US and Canada
Michele Mark Levine serves as the Director of the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA’s) Technical Services Center, where she is responsible for all GFOA member services pertaining to technical governmental accounting, auditing and financial reporting matters including the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, , CAnFR, and PAFR awards programs, publications, training and serving as the liaison between GFOA and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
Session Description
Friday, October 23rd – Conference
When Colleges Struggle: Assessing Higher Education Risk and Its Impact on Kansas Communities
Time: 8:30AM – 9:30AM
Room: Salon B
Explore how higher education financial risk affects Kansas communities, local economies, workforce development, and public planning through findings from the University DeathPool Project.
Speaker Information
Dr. Jim Long – Division Chair and Professor of Finance – Friends University, Friends University
Dr. Jim Long serves as Chair of the Division of Business and Professor of Finance and Economics at Friends University. He teaches finance, economics, and research methods while leading academic programs, accreditation efforts, and strategic initiatives. His research focuses on institutional sustainability, financial health, and forecasting within higher education.
Dr. Long is the founder of the University DeathPool Project, a national research initiative that evaluates the financial and operational sustainability of nearly 1,000 private nonprofit colleges and universities. His work combines financial analysis, demographic trends, and institutional performance metrics to assess organizational survivability and economic impact. His research has been published in the Journal of Regional Analysis & Policy and presented at regional and national conferences. He frequently speaks on higher education finance, organizational leadership, accreditation, and strategic planning.
Session Description
Friday, October 23rd – Conference
Utility Rate Sufficiency: How to Evaluate and Adjust Utility Rates for Long Term Planning
Time: 8:30AM – 9:30AM
Room: Salon A
Understand how to identify different options for your utility’s rate structures, how to evaluate your community’s utility rates, and learn about a tool that can help support your utility’s financial goals.
Speaker Information
Michelle DeHaven – Senior Program Manager, Wichita State University, Environmental Finance Center
Michelle works with public and nonprofit organizations and initiatives to enhance their capacity to face environmental, social, and economic challenges. She has experience in extensive research, survey design and development, both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, facilitation and mediation, community outreach and education, adult education curriculum development, leadership management and development. Michelle has experience developing curricula to meet various standards in financial and managerial topics, conducting professional training, and community engagement and education. She also has experience facilitating conversation to think strategically about future planning in both the private and nonprofit sectors.
Michelle graduated with a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wichita State University.
Beth Warren – Water Services Financial Specialist, Kansas Municipal Utilities
Beth Warren, Water Services Financial Specialist. Beth obtained her BA in Finance from Wichita State University. She has spent 20+ years assisting Kansas utilities in municipal finance and determining their funding and financing needs. Beth served for nearly a decade as a registered Municipal Advisor, and spent her career working with municipalities as they navigated various financing methods. In addition to her background in funding and finance alternatives, she specializes in utility rate reviews and was lead on the redevelopment of the Kansas Water Rate Checkup Tool. The new online tool was launched in November 2017 and she has since continued work to enhance the tool to increase its usability and functionality. She also works to coordinate delivery of technical assistance through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) program.
Session Description
Friday, October 23rd – Conference
The Grant Lifecycle: Application to Post-Award
Time: 9:45AM – 10:45AM
Room: Salon B
This panel will provide an overview of the grant application process, with an emphasis on post-award responsibilities and compliance. Panelists will discuss key requirements, common compliance considerations, and practical insights to help subgrantees successfully manage their awards and remain in compliance throughout the grant lifecycle.
Speaker Information
Erica Haas – Attorney, Kansas Governor’s Grants Program
Erica Haas has served as an attorney for nearly 15 years with the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program. She provides legal guidance on grant administration and regulatory compliance, develops policies and procedures, assists with state and federal grant applications, and delivers training to grant program staff across Kansas.
Previously, Erica worked for six years as a Principal Research Analyst with the Kansas Legislative Research Department. She provided nonpartisan research, policy analysis, and staffing to legislators and standing and interim committees on a variety of issues, including health, energy, and utilities. Erica earned her Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree in political science from Fort Hays State University.
Jessica Barnett – Analyst II, Kansas Governor’s Grants Program
Jessica Barnett is an Analyst II with the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program (KGGP). Jessica has a passion for the grant world and helping demystify the complicated world of grants and award management. With seven years of experience at KGGP she has developed skills that help grant recipients manage grant awards to stay in compliance with all guidelines and improve internal processes. In her personal life, she loves to attend baseball games (Go Brewers!) and spend time with her family and loved ones.
Veronica Harrison – Deputy Financial Officer, Kansas Governor’s Grants Program
Veronica Harrison is the Deputy Financial Officer at the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program, where she has worked for nearly four years. Prior to her current role, she serves as an Analyst, conducting compliance reviews and supporting post-award grant oversight. She is passionate about helping others navigate the grant process and supporting successful stewardship of grant funds.
Session Description
Friday, October 23rd – Conference
Collateral Pool and more
Time: 9:45AM – 10:45AM
Room: Salon A
Join the State Treasurer to discuss the status of the Kansas Collateral Pool and other programs available in the State Treasurer’s Office.
Speaker Information
Treasurer Steven Johnson – Kansas State Treasurer, Kansas State Treasurer’s Office
Steven Johnson was born and raised on a cattle and grain farm near Assaria, Kansas.
After graduating from Southeast Saline High School, he earned a degree in Agricultural Economics with honors from Kansas State University. He later earned an MBA in finance and business policy from the University of Chicago.
Steven began his career in financial services while continuing to work on the family farm. His financial and agricultural expertise led him into public service, where he served in the Kansas Legislature and was Chairman of the Tax and the Insurance and Pensions Committees.
Steven continues to farm wheat, soybeans, corn and milo on the family farm. He was elected Kansas State Treasurer in 2022 and took office in January 2023. He serves on the National Association of State Treasurers board and chairs the College Savings Plan Network. Steven is committed to responsibly managing Kansas funds and investments.
Shauna Wake – Chief Financial Officer, Kansas State Treasurer’s Office
Shauna Wake serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office, where she oversees financial management, budgeting, and financial operations. A Topeka native, Shauna graduated from Highland Park High School. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baker University with a concentration in Accounting and Information Systems and an MBA from Washburn University.
Shauna has built a career in public-sector financial administration and leadership, with extensive experience managing complex fiscal responsibilities and operations. She holds a Certified Public Manager credential from the University of Kansas Public Management Center. In her role with the Treasurer’s Office, Shauna supports the responsible management of state financial resources and helps advance the office’s mission of providing efficient and effective financial services to Kansans.
General Session
Friday, October 23rd – Conference
Don’t Wait Until Next May to Involve Citizens in Budget Planning
Time: 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Room: Salon DEF
Cultivate trust and citizen engagement by using a peer consultation model to involve citizens in the budget planning process. Energize unlikely allies by inviting their perspective and input.
Speaker Information
Racquel Thiesen – National Partner Developer/Facilitator, Kansas Leadership Center
As partnership developer at the Kansas Leadership Center, Racquel Thiesen supports current partners and cultivates new national partnerships with community leadership programs, community foundations, and municipalities. Her focus on guiding partners through their leadership journey ensures greater value for the communities and organizations served by KLC. Racquel draws on more than 25 years of experience in consulting with local leadership programs, community organizations, and local government, helping individuals and leadership developers utilize the KLC framework to tackle their toughest challenges.
In addition to her partnership development work, Racquel was an elected official for 12 years and has served on numerous boards and advisory councils. This firsthand experience in public service strengthens her understanding of leadership in the context of authority. Racquel also serves as a KLC teacher and facilitator, traveling widely as a speaker and presenter, sharing insights on leadership development and community engagement.
Schedule
October 21
October 21 Schedule
| October 21 | Speaker | Topic | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00am – 1:00pm | KSGFOA Board Meeting/Lunch | ||
1:30pm-4:30pm Pre-Conference Session | Chris Jochum | Leading from Where You Are: Practical Leadership for Finance Officers | Salon D |
| 1:30pm-4:30pm | Registration | Foyer | |
| 4:00pm – 6:00pm | Vendor Set-Up | ||
| 4:30pm – 6:30pm | Women in Public Finance Mixer | Hotel Courtyard |
October 22
October 22 Schedule
| October 22 | Speaker | Topic | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
7:00am – 8:00am | Registration Breakfast | Foyer | Hotel Breakfast Room | |
7:30am – 8:00am | Vendor Fair | Foyer | |
| 8:00am – 8:30am | Vendor Introductions Start | Salon DEF | |
8:30am – 9:30am Keynote | Ty Bennett | Redefining High Performance: Lessons from Ninja Warrior | Salon DEF |
| 9:45am – 10:45am Breakout Session #1 | Jami Benyshek | Practical Internal Control Strategies for Local Governments | Salon A |
| 9:45am – 10:45am Breakout Session #2 | Kayla Williams | What Your Auditor Wishes You Knew | Salon B |
| 11:00am – 11:15am | Vendor Fair | Foyer | |
| 11:15am – 12:30pm | Lunch | Salon DEF | |
| 11:45pm – 12:30pm | KSGFOA Business Meeting & Award Presentation | Salon DEF | |
12:40pm-1:30pm General Session | Chris Jochum | Why Great Leaders Demand Order: Valuing Sequence and Substance | Salon DEF |
| 1:45pm – 2:45pm General Session | Spencer Duncan | Navigating the Kansas Legislature | Salon DEF |
| 2:50pm – 3:50pm Breakout Session #3 | Chris Haislett Josh Lauber | Procurement Opportunities: Request for Proposals | Salon A |
| 2:50pm – 3:50pm Breakout Session #4 | Josiah Watney | AI Without an IT Department: A Practical Guide for Small Local Governments | Salon B |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm General Session | Michele Mark Levine | GFOA is Rethinking Financial Reporting | Salon DEF |
| 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Vendor Reception | Foyer |
October 23
October 23 Schedule
| October 23 | Speaker | Topic | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00am-8:20am | Breakfast Registration | Hotel Breakfast Room | Foyer | |
| 8:00am-8:30am | Vendor Fair | Foyer | |
| 8:30am – 9:30am Breakout Session #5 | Dr. Jim Long | When Colleges Struggle: Assessing Higher Education Risk and Its Impact on Kansas Communities | Salon B |
| 8:30am – 9:30am Breakout Session #6 | Michelle DeHaven & Beth Warren | Utility Rate Sufficiency: How to Evaluate and Adjust Utility Rates for Long Term Planning | Salon A |
| 9:30am – 9:45pm | Break | ||
| 9:45am – 10:45am Breakout Session #7 | Erica Haas, Jessica Barnett & Veronica Harrison | Post Award Grant Compliance | Salon B |
| 9:45am – 10:45am Breakout Session #8 | Treasurer Steven Johnson & Shauna Wake | Collateral Pool and More | Salon A |
| 10:45am – 11:00am | Break | ||
| 11:00am – 12:00pm | Raquel Thiesen | Don’t Wait Until Next May to Involve Citizens in Budget Planning | Salon DEF |
2026 KSGFOA Conference Sponsors
2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
How to Apply
Submit sponsorship application after payment is completed
Payment must be received prior to the conference
Scholarships
Applicants must be an Association member in good standing whose position includes finance responsibilities. The Board will sponsor up to five (5) individuals. Sponsorship covers conference registration fees only. Travel, pre-conference session and social event fees are not included. Applicants must fill out the application form and provide a letter of support from your organization. Only one scholarship will be awarded per organization for the same year. Applicants conference registration fees will be refunded if they have already registered and are selected for scholarship.
Scholarship deadline is September 16, 2026.
Awards Nominations
Lifetime Achievement Award
The purpose of the Lifetime Achievement Award is to recognize an individual’s achievements in outstanding leadership in public finance over the course of their career.
Past Winners
2025 – Brent Shelton
2022 – Jean Epperson
2021 – Shawn Henning, Larry Lindgren, Doug Robinson
Innovation Award
The innovation award is designed to recognize and promote creative public finance initiatives and projects that provide innovative and creative solutions to address organizational and community challenges. Winners are those who reflect dedication and inventiveness in public finance and governance to deliver excellence in public services. Initiatives and projects should have occurred within the last two years. Applications are due September 12th, 2026.
Past Winners
2025 – Lorien Showalter Arie & Lee McCrea
2024 – Johnette Shepek
2022 – Barry Smith