2025 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 26th annual conference will be held November 5 – 7, 2025 in Olathe, Kansas.
Olathe Conference Center at Embassy Suites | Olathe, KS
10401 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, KS 66061
2025 KSGFOA Hotel Information
Hotel Information
Embassy Suites By Hilton – Olathe, KS
Rooms & Rates
1 King Bed Two Room Suite – $179.00
2 Queen Beds Two Room Suite – $179.00
2025 KSGFOA Social Information
Social Information
Game Show Battle Rooms
Thursday, November 6
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Gameshow Battle Room – First mix and mingle with a taco bar social hour, then Face off against your friends and co- workers in a series of fun, laughable puzzle and challenge games. Limited number of spaces. Your cost is $25.00 per person. Can bring one additional guest with you at $50.
Purchase tickets here.
2025 Women in Public Finance Mixer
Women in Public Finance Mixer
Wednesday 11/5
Wednesday November 5, 2025 | 4:30-6:30pm
Women in Public Finance Mixer – All are welcome
Courtyard at Embassy Suites
RSVP to Nickie Lee
Deputy City Administrator, City of Prairie Village
Keynote Speaker: Larry Weaver
Larry Weaver is a globally recognized stand-up comedian and motivational speaker known for his clean humor and inspiring message. He has shared the stage with Faith Hill, Chris Rock, and “Weird Al” Yankovic, delivered keynotes for Fortune 500 companies, and been featured on Comedy Central, Dry Bar Comedy, and SiriusXM.
Larry has spoken to audiences from around the world, blending humor, heartfelt insight, and practical strategies to help people manage stress, embrace change, and stay motivated. His engaging presentations equip attendees with tools to excel both professionally and personally.
Presentation Title
Why do some people thrive while others struggle? In this fun and thought-provoking session, renowned comedian and speaker Larry Weaver shares research-based methods to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging times. Through laughter, relatable stories, and real-world takeaways, you’ll learn:
- How to increase Energy for improved health and wellness
- How to foster a stronger, more supportive Team culture
- How to cultivate the right Attitude to boost positivity
Expect a refreshing mix of humor and practical advice that will leave you energized, inspired, and ready to tackle anything that comes your way — both in and outside of the workplace.
Topics
Click the topic below for more:
Pre Conference Session
Session Description
Session: November 5, 1:30PM – 4:30PM
Room:
Join Robert Half experts to discuss hiring trends, skilled talent demand, and succession planning insights. Discover strategies for building strong talent pipelines and preparing effective leadership for tomorrow.
Speaker Information
Brit Anderson-Sharp – Practice Director, Contract Finance & Accounting, Robert Half International
Brit Anderson-Sharp is a Practice Director for Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. She oversees the finance and accounting contract talent practice for the Kansas City market, leading a dedicated team to connect businesses with top-tier financial talent.
Before Robert Half, Brit spent more than a decade in the staffing industry, specializing in placing high-performing professionals in roles that drive business success. She has a proven track record of developing strategic partnerships, helping companies navigate complex talent shortages, and providing tailored staffing solutions across various industries.
Brit actively is involved with the Kansas City chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI), where she enjoys connecting with top financial leaders to stay informed on emerging industry trends and hiring challenges. Her commitment to staying connected to the business community continues to fuel her passion for helping organizations thrive.
Brit holds an MBA from Bellevue University.
Emily Keating – Practice Director, Robert Half International
Emily is the Practice Director for Robert Half’s Administrative & Customer Support contract talent practice group. With a bachelor’s in marketing and over a decade of experience in staffing, team leadership, and business strategy, she specializes in building strategic partnerships and delivering tailored solutions. Her expertise and collaborative approach make her a trusted partner to both clients and candidates.
Tyler Beebe – VP/Senior Recruiting Manager, Robert Half International
Tyler is a VP/Senior Recruiting Manager for Robert Half’s finance & accounting permanent placement practice group. Having his B.S. in Accounting and 10 years of experience with Robert Half, he has become a valued partner for clients and candidates alike at all levels of accounting and finance.
Conference Sessions
Session Description
Thursday, November 6th – Conference
Winning Strategies for Effective Grant Proposals
Time: 9:45AM – 10:45AM
Room:
City leaders Bret Glendening and Rebekah McCurdy join K-State’s Nancy Daniels to share actionable insights, expert tips, and proven strategies for writing compelling, fundable grant proposals that get results.
Speaker Information
Nancy Daniels – Community Vitality Specialist, K-State Extension
Nancy Daniels is a community vitality specialist for K-State Extension. She works with communities statewide to appreciate their assets and build on their possibilities. Over the last seven years, Daniels has taught grant writing to 3,500 individuals in Kansas. In 2021, virtual classes were added to in-person workshops. Approximately one year after the grant workshop, 33% of participants responded to a survey and reported writing more than $107 million in successful grants to help their communities. In addition to grant writing, she facilitates the First Friday e-Call, which highlights resources to build Kansas’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, and is the convener for the Kansas Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference.
Session Description
Thursday, November 6th – Conference
Navigating Conflict with Confidence & Comfort
Time: 9:45AM – 10:45AM
Room:
Equip yourself and your team to professionally and proactively address conflict in a way that is productive and supports the culture and climate of your organization. In this breakout session, participants will learn how to apply a simple-to-use framework for conflict management.
Speaker Information
Chris Jochum – Founder and CEO, CJ Leadership Solutions, LLC
Dr. Chris Jochum is the founder and CEO of CJ Leadership Solutions, a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach who has shared his expertise with leaders in PreK-12 schools, higher education, and corporate settings within the U.S. and internationally. His leadership philosophy centers on influence through relationships, courage, character, and service.
With over two decades of experience as a K-12 ESL and Spanish teacher, education professor, and university leader, Chris also chairs the Department of Teacher Education at Fort Hays State University, overseeing programs serving over 900 future teachers.
Chris authored “The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership” and hosts “The Department Chair Leadership Podcast.” His forthcoming books include “You Don’t Have to Leave to Lead: A Practical Guide to Teacher Leadership” (fall 2025) and “Profiles in Educational Leadership: A Practical Approach” (co-edited, early 2026).
Session Description
Thursday, November 6th – Conference
Fraud and Embezzlement, Could it Happen in My Organization?
Time: 12:40pm-1:30pm
Room:
Learn about the scope of the fraud and embezzlement risk problem in government, including how to protect your own organization.
Speaker Information
Dave Ross, President & CEO, 65th North Group
Dr. David Ross is President and CEO of 65th North Group, a nationwide government consulting firm specializing in government operational, organizational, efficiency, and staffing studies – but more importantly, in internal controls and fraud risk vulnerability studies. He spent 18 years in law enforcement, 12 years as a city and county manager, he is an ICMA credentialed manager, he has investigated over 400 fraud cases in his career, he is a certified fraud examiner, a certified internal control auditor, he holds a certificate in internal control from the institute of internal auditors and the committee of sponsoring organizations of the treadway commission, he has a master’s degree in public administration, a PhD in financial management with a dissertation specific to local government fraud risk reduction, he attended Harvard University’s Senior Executives in State & Local government program, and he has numerous articles on internal control and fraud risk reduction published with professional organizations such as GFOA, ICMA, ALGA, and ProQuest. Dr. Ross has led a team that completes government fraud risk vulnerability studies for government organizations nationwide.
Session Description
Thursday, November 6th – Conference
The Multigenerational Advantage: Building Stronger Teams for the Future
Time: 1:45PM – 2:45PM
Room:
Join Robert Half’s The Multigenerational Advantage to explore management strategies, harness generational strengths, boost engagement, and build inclusive, collaborative teams for a harmonious, productive workplace driving business success.
Speaker Information
Brit Anderson-Sharp – Practice Director, Contract Finance & Accounting, Robert Half International
Brit Anderson-Sharp is a Practice Director for Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. She oversees the finance and accounting contract talent practice for the Kansas City market, leading a dedicated team to connect businesses with top-tier financial talent.
Before Robert Half, Brit spent more than a decade in the staffing industry, specializing in placing high-performing professionals in roles that drive business success. She has a proven track record of developing strategic partnerships, helping companies navigate complex talent shortages, and providing tailored staffing solutions across various industries.
Brit actively is involved with the Kansas City chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI), where she enjoys connecting with top financial leaders to stay informed on emerging industry trends and hiring challenges. Her commitment to staying connected to the business community continues to fuel her passion for helping organizations thrive.
Brit holds an MBA from Bellevue University.
Emily Keating – Practice Director, Robert Half International
Emily is the Practice Director for Robert Half’s Administrative & Customer Support contract talent practice group. With a bachelor’s in marketing and over a decade of experience in staffing, team leadership, and business strategy, she specializes in building strategic partnerships and delivering tailored solutions. Her expertise and collaborative approach make her a trusted partner to both clients and candidates.
Session Description
Thursday, November 6th – Conference
Introduction to Public Procurement – Purchasing Best Practices
Time: 2:50PM – 3:50PM
Room:
Ever wondered how public agencies buy? Have you had to navigate the dreaded requisition? Join us in “Introduction to Public Procurement – Purchasing Best Practices” to discuss key concepts of purchasing, supply chain, contracts, supplier outreach & engagement. This session will be focused towards helping agencies that do not have a dedicated purchasing staffperson or office.
Speaker Information
Josh Lauber -Purchasing Manager, City of Wichita
As the Purchasing Manager for the City of Wichita, Josh is responsible for directing the City’s purchasing activities. The City’s 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 City’s 2024 purchasing activity includes $370.4 million in total purchasing payments; 31,342 P-Card transactions administered; 1,960 PO’s issued; 522 contract actions including formation and renewal; and 340 solicitations published. The primary goal of the purchasing office 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.
Josh’s daytime passions include anything related to procurement, contracts, and supply chains, with a focus on “getting the best price” for his requesting departments. Bring your questions and let’s discuss purchasing!
Chris Haislett – Contract Compliance Officer, City of Wichita
Chris Haislett is the Contract Compliance Officer with the City of Wichita Purchasing Division and has been in this role with the City for 15 years. He is a buyer and manages the City’s Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) program, including EBE certification, vendor training, workshops, and all vendor outreach. He currently serves on the board of the Kansas Association of Public Purchasing Professionals, is a US Army veteran, and graduate of Pittsburg State University. He is married with three adult children and is welcoming his first grandchild. He loves soccer, KU basketball, weight lifting and running.
Session Description
Thursday, November 6th – Conference
Panel Discussion on Budget
Time: 2:50PM – 3:50PM
Room:
This session brings together finance professionals from across the State to discuss innovative strategies and practical solutions for effective budget planning and execution. Attendees will gain valuable insights into dealing with the practical realities of budgeting, navigating resource allocation, enhancing fiscal responsibility, and driving performance improvements within their local governments. Join us to network, learn, and collaborate on building stronger, more financially resilient communities.
Speaker Information
Rachelle Mathews
Rachelle Mathews serves as the Director of Finance for the City of Lawrence, KS. Rachelle started her public finance career in 2015 for the City of Topeka and served that organization as the Manager of Accounting Operations, Deputy Director of Finance and Acting Chief Financial Officer. She received her Masters of Business Administration from Washburn University in 2009, her Certified Management Accountant certificate in 2014 and is currently sitting for the GFOA Certified Public Financial Officer certification. In her roles in local governments, she oversees investment portfolios, purchasing, bond indebtedness portfolios, utility billing operations, the annual financial audit as well as the general accounting and administrative duties.
Brooke A. Carroll
Brooke A. Carroll, CPA, CPM, is the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Goddard, joining the organization in 2024. She brings over five years of municipal budgeting and financial management experience, with a strong record of advancing fiscal oversight and strategic innovation. Prior to Goddard, she served as Director of Member Services at KPP Energy—leading financial analyses, cybersecurity education, and a $48 million USDA grant proposal for solar energy projects—and as City Administrator for Cherryvale, KS, overseeing city operations, budgeting, and community development. Brooke holds a bachelor’s degree in busi
ness administration from Utah Valley University, is a Certified Public Manager through the University of Kansas and is a licensed CPA.
Jared Kuhlmann
Jared has been with the City of Garden City since 2013 and has served as the Finance Director since 2021. His prior roles include Director of Operations at the Garden City Regional Airport, Training Coordinator in the HR Department, and the Court Administrator, Diversion Coordinator, and Probation Officer in the Municipal Court.
Jared earned a Bachelor’s Degree in business management from Brigham Young University-Idaho and a Master’s in Business Administration from Western Governors University. He also completed the Certified Public Manager program through the University of Kansas.
Ryan Adkison
Ryan Adkison serves as Assistant County Administrator/Finance Director for Butler County, Kansas. He oversees budgeting, capital planning, and financial policy, leading development of the County’s annual operating and CIP budget—recognized with the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for multiple years. Before joining Butler County, Ryan worked in the City of Wichita’s Budget and Pension offices. He earned a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University’s Hugo Wall School and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Emporia State University.
Session Description
Thursday, November 6th – Conference
8 Relational Realities of Leadership
Time: 4:00PM – 5:00PM
Room:
This general session explores the principles of servant leadership through eight relational realities leaders face daily. Learn practical strategies to embrace vulnerability, navigate conflict, and build authentic connections while balancing influence with accountability to lead with purpose and confidence.
Speaker Information
Chris Jochum – Founder and CEO, CJ Leadership Solutions, LLC
Dr. Chris Jochum is the founder and CEO of CJ Leadership Solutions, a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach who has shared his expertise with leaders in PreK-12 schools, higher education, and corporate settings within the U.S. and internationally. His leadership philosophy centers on influence through relationships, courage, character, and service.
With over two decades of experience as a K-12 ESL and Spanish teacher, education professor, and university leader, Chris also chairs the Department of Teacher Education at Fort Hays State University, overseeing programs serving over 900 future teachers.
Chris authored “The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership” and hosts “The Department Chair Leadership Podcast.” His forthcoming books include “You Don’t Have to Leave to Lead: A Practical Guide to Teacher Leadership” (fall 2025) and “Profiles in Educational Leadership: A Practical Approach” (co-edited, early 2026).
Session Description
Friday, November 7th – Conference
Capital Assets Management – Making Decisions for the Future
Time: 8:30AM – 10:0AM
Room:
Explore strategies for defining, planning, and funding capital assets to support sustainable public services and informed long-term municipal decision-making. From the KSGFOA Budget Academy curriculum.
Speaker Information
Matt Lawn, Baker Tilly
Matt is a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) with 13 years of experience as a finance director, specializing in local government financial management, economic development, and utilities administration. Before joining Baker Tilly, he served as a city finance director in the south-central Kansas metro area. Matt excels in budgeting, debt management, and economic development for rapidly growing communities. He provides municipal advisory services, consulting on financial and economic development policies, and long-term finance and capital planning. Matt is actively involved in industry organizations, including the ICMA, GFOA, KACM, and currently serves as board president for the KSGFOA.
Matt earned a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Kansas State University.
Jessica Oliphant, Baker Tilly
Jessica is a public finance professional with experience in local government. She primarily serves clients by structuring debt, financial forecasting, developing budgets, and performing various reporting and analysis projects. Her areas of specialty include forecasting and budget development. Prior to joining BTMA, Jessica worked as a budget analyst for a large city in Missouri.
Specific experience:
• Analyzing large fiscal data sets to project year-end expenditures and revenues
• Studied historical trends to predict future budget shortfalls or surpluses
• Developed fiscal forecasting models for cities in Kansas and Missouri
• Lead the budget development process through adoption for cities in Kansas and Missouri
• Structured debt obligations for cities in Kansas and Missouri
• Forecasted the fiscal impact of economic development projects for cities in Kansas and Missouri
Master of Public Administration
Bachelor of Arts in public policy
New York University
Session Description
Friday, November 7th – Conference
Getting Unencumbered Cash Right Under RNR
Time: 10:15AM – 11:15AM
Room:
In Kansas, the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) law, also known as Senate Bill 13, went into effect on July 1, 2021. This law replaced the previous “Tax Lid” legislation and established new requirements for local taxing entities regarding property tax revenue. As we continue to operate with the RNR law in place, how can we insure that our local governments have sufficient unencumbered cash balances to operate into the future.
Speaker Information
Scot Loyd – Owner, Loyd Group, LLC
Scot is the current owner of the Loyd Group, LLC. His firm is considered a virtual firm and only serves government clients in the areas of auditing, budgeting and consulting. Prior to starting the Loyd Group, LLC on January 1, 2022, Scot served as a partner with the firm Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk & Loyd, LLC of McPherson, Kansas since January 1, 1990. Scot has a B.A. in Accounting (1983) from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kansas. He has the following certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), a Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and a Certified Numbers Coach (CNC).
He has also been a member or Chair of several of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) Task Forces and Committees and the Mid-America Intergovernmental Audit Forum Committees. Through these experiences he has many opportunities to speak across the USA.
He still enjoys playing sports, landscaping and traveling…and of course his job(s)! He has been married for over 41 years to his wife Jenny. They have one son, Ethan and his wife Katy, who live in Wichita. Scot and Jenny have lived on Galva, KS Main Street for 39 years.
Session Description
Friday, November 7th – Conference
2026 Collateral Pool
Time: 10:15AM – 11:15AM
Room:
Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson will present Kansas’ new Collateral Pool—explaining its purpose, benefits, and impact on public funds security.
Speaker Information
Steven Johnson – State Treasurer
Steven Johnson was born and raised on a cattle and grain farm near Assaria, Kansas.
After graduating from Southeast Saline High School, Steven went on to study Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, where he was elected Student Body President and graduated with honors. Steven began his career in the financial services sector while remaining involved in the family farm. He continued his education at the University of Chicago where he received a Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance and business policy.
Steven’s financially-focused education was a valued tool in the financial services sector when he led the development of an asset allocation software program that calculated the highest return of investment for a particular need. His interest and expertise in financial issues during the economic downturn of 2008-09 was a catalyst in his decision to enter public service. Steven ran for the state legislature and was elected in 2010. His financial and agricultural background led to committee appointments including Chairman of the Tax Committee, Chairman of Insurance and Pensions Committee, and a member of committees including Appropriations and Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Steven continues to farm wheat, soybeans, corn and milo on the family farm. He is an active member of the Assaria Lutheran Church where he serves on the finance committee. Steven enjoys volunteering his time by offering investment advice to non-profit organizations.
Steven was elected the state’s 42nd state treasurer in 2022 and assumed office on January 9, 2023. Steven currently serves on the board of directors for the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) and as Vice-Chair of the College Savings Plan Network (CSPN). Steven is committed to serving Kansas as both a reliable banker for state funds and a responsible fiduciary of invested dollars.
Session Description
Friday, November 7th – Conference
Artificial Intelligence – What’s it all about?
Time: 11:30AM – 12:30PM
Room:
Artificial Intelligence – What is it? How long has it been around? How can it help? Should we be worried? Join us for a conversation about the state of AI.
Speaker Information
John Godfrey, State of Kansas Office of Information Technology System, Chief Information Security Officer
A seasoned cybersecurity executive and entrepreneurial dynamo with 18 years of rich experience, I excel in delivering cutting-edge technology and information security strategies. I have a knack for transforming organizations through modern digital solutions, spurring business enablement, and fostering talent elevation. My unique blend of action-oriented leadership and influential communication has consistently steered executives and boards through periods of organizational metamorphosis. Demystifying complex technology and making it comprehensible is one of his key strengths. Known for my fervor and transformative leadership, I’ve spoken at numerous local and national conferences, moderated sessions, featured as a podcast guest, and contributed articles to various magazines and publications. Presently, I hold pivotal roles as a board member and advisor to boards of directors. I am actively engaged with the information security community, holding memberships in premier organizations like ISC2, ISSA, ISACA, InfraGard, and more. My academic arsenal includes several industry certifications, and I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Cybersecurity with a focus on executive leadership. Outside of work, I relish time with my family and friends, love touring vineyards, and enjoy traveling.
Schedule
November 5
November 5 Schedule
| November 5 | Speaker | Topic | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 1:00pm | KSGFOA Board Meeting/Lunch | ||
| 1:30pm-4:30pm Pre-Conference Session | Brit Anderson-Sharp | Demand for Skilled Talent and Succession Planning: Securing Tomorrow’s Leaders | |
| 1:30pm-4:30pm | Registration | Foyer | |
| 4:30pm – 6:30pm | Women in Public Finance Mixer | Embassy Suites Courtyard | |
| 4:00pm – 6:00pm | Vendor Set-Up | Foyer |
November 6
November 6 Schedule
| November 6 | Speaker | Topic | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
6:30am – 7:45am | Registration/Breakfast | Foyer/Hotel Breakfast Room | |
7:30am – 8:00am | Vendor Hours | Foyer | |
| 8:00am – 8:30am | Vendor Introductions | ||
| 8:30am – 9:30am Keynote | Larry Weaver | Thriving Through Change: Embracing Positivity in Government Finance | |
| 9:45am – 10:45am Breakout Session #1 | Nancy Daniels, Shawn Wesner, Bret Glendening, Rebekah McCurdy | Winning Strategies for Effective Grant Proposals | |
| 9:45am – 10:45am Breakout Session #2 | Chris Jochum | Navigating Conflict with Confidence & Comfort | |
| 11:00am – 11:30am | Vendor Fair | Foyer | |
| 11:30am – 1:40pm | Lunch | ||
| 12:00pm – 12:40pm | KSGFOA Business Meeting & Award Presentation | ||
| 12:40pm-1:30pm | Dave Ross | Fraud and Embezzlement, Could it Happen in My Organization? | |
| 1:45pm – 2:45pm General Session | Brit Anderson-Sharp & George Kobitz | The Multigenerational Advantage: Building Stronger Teams for the Future | |
| 2:50pm – 3:50pm Breakout Session #3 | Josh Lauber & Chris Haislett | Introduction to Public Procurement – Purchasing Best Practices | |
| 2:50pm – 3:50pm Breakout Session #4 | Rachelle Mathews Facilitating, Brooke Carroll, Jared Kuhlmann, and Ryan Adkison | From Planning to Performance: The Power of Budgeting | |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm General Session | Chris Jochum | 8 Relational Realities of Leadership | |
| 5:00pm – 6:30pm | Vendor Reception | ||
| 6:30pm – 9:30pm | Social Event | Game Show Battle Rooms, 10520 Metcalf Ln, Overland Park, KS |
November 7
November 7 Schedule
| November 7 | Speaker | Topic | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30am-8:20am | Breakfast | Hotel Breakfast Room | |
| 8:00am-8:30am | Vendors | Foyer | |
| 8:30am-10:00am General Session | Matt Lawn & Jessica Oliphant, Baker Tilly | Capital Assets Management – Making Decisions for the Future | |
| 10:15am – 11:15am Breakout Session #5 | Scot Loyd | Unencumbered Cash Balances under Revenue Neutral Rate | |
| 10:15am – 11:15am Breakout Session #6 | State Treasurer Steven Johnson | 2026 Collateral Pool | |
| 11:30am – 12:30pm General Session | John Godfrey, State of Kansas Chief Information Security Officer | Artificial Intelligence – What’s it all about? |
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 October 1, 2025
Awards Nominations Have Closed for 2025
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
2021 – Shawn Henning, Larry Lindgren, Doug Robinson
2022 – Jean Epperson
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, 2025.
Past Winners
2022 – Barry Smith
2024 – Johnette Shepek