CPFO Spotlights

CPFO Spotlights

Shining a light on those who have completed the CPFO journey. Learn how becoming a CPFO has made an impact on their careers below. 

Adam Vaughn

"The CPFO program is a worthwhile endeavor for anybody that wants to learn all that they can about government finance."

Learn More

Ian Shows

"Becoming a CPFO has been a professional goal of mine since I first began my career in Local Government in 2015."

Learn more

Kay Giunta

“[Earning the CPFO has] given me a deeper, more strategic perspective on the work we do and has sharpened my ability to lead and make informed decisions.” 

Learn More

Gina Bixby

"I think this is meaningful for anyone wanting a career in government finance."

Learn More

Chuck Maurer

"It will make you a more technically sound professional and a more effective public servant."

Learn More

Andrea Rocha

"The CPFO program has taught me how to align my prior supervisory experience and training with current public finance best practices, ethics and leadership skills to better serve my government and community."

Learn More

Keegan Radeff

"I wanted to become a CPFO to both strengthen and solidify my knowledge of fiscal management within government organizations."

Learn More

Nate Romero

"If you work in a government finance office, this certification is invaluable to successfully and thoroughly understand topics and challenges that local governments face."

Learn More

Yanmin Zhu-Howard

"Becoming a CPFO has strengthened my confidence in handling complex financial challenge."

Learn More

Gerald Bryan

"The process of preparing for the CPFO exams reinforced areas where I have limited experience."

Learn More

Julie Weiers

“Going through each of the seven sections of the exam helped me understand more clearly how everything is intertwined.” 

Learn More

Craig Boonstra

“After reviewing the roadmap and areas of focus for the CPFO designation, I knew it would make me a better more well-rounded professional.” 

Learn More

Jené Jess 

“The CPFO journey is an investment in yourself and your ability to contribute meaningfully to public service.”

Learn More

Nick Rhinehart

"The presenters provided me with information that was far more in-depth than I ever imagined."

Learn More

Jeff Rogers

“Earning the CPFO gives me a bona fide credential that tells potential employers I have the necessary knowledge to be a highly successful finance officer” 

Learn More

Luca Gonzales

“Going through the CPFO process provided me with a deeper understanding of the diverse and complex responsibilities that government finance professionals handle.” 

Learn More

Kuljit Singh

"The CPFO designation not only enhances your technical skills but also sets you apart as a committed finance professional."

Learn More

Cindy Miserez

"My confidence increased as my instincts about how to handle things was confirmed by what I was studying."

Learn More

Sean Lopez

"If you’re interested in broadening your technical skills and abilities in government accounting, I highly recommend enrolling in the CPFO program."

Learn More

Scott Rust

"Pursuing the CPFO certification was a challenging but rewarding experience. The designation has allowed me to bring best practices and a higher level of expertise to my organization."

Learn More

Maria Bassett

"Attaining the CPFO designation validated the professional goals I established for myself at the beginning of my career and the qualities that I believe in."

Learn More

Debbie O'Brien

"The program offers so much more than just information to pass the exams. The vast wealth of experiences included in the training is priceless!"

Learn More

Justin Smith

"Becoming a CPFO will provide me with additional resources to stay on top of the ever-changing rules and regulations in government finance."

Learn More

Amanda Deaton-Moyer

"What a great program to pause and connect the dots on why and how government works."

Learn More

Sam Naik

"Give yourself a chance to demonstrate to everyone else what you already know!"

Lean More

Kim Coffman

"This certification not only distinguishes you from others when networking and job searching, but also helps you attain a broad knowledge base in the industry."

Learn More

Kari Klages

"Going through the CPFO process has strengthened and enhanced my skills and increased my ability and confidence to handle the complex financial responsibilities required by my role."  

Learn More

Sherry Walker

"To anyone who wants to develop themselves into an overall public finance officer, this is an excellent opportunity to gain that knowledge with backing of GFOA resources at your fingertips."

Learn More

Tavia Ritchie

"GFOA is the premier government finance organization. Their CPFO program lives up to that hype as well."

Learn More

Jon Grover

“The time and money investment made into the program will be a sliver compared to the value it produces."

Learn More

Christine Thompson

"The program prepared me to be a competent leader with in-depth knowledge and critical skills."

Learn More

Jennifer Ustation

"It has strengthened my knowledge and given me confidence that helps me navigate challenges that come my way."

Learn More

LaQuanza Flowers

"I feel better equipped to implement best practices, assess financial risks, assist in the development of strategic plans, and make informed financial decisions that positively impact my organization and community."

Learn More

Laura A. Fitzpatrick

Learning more of the various languages in public finance has been invaluable."

Learn More

Bobby Fitzjohn

“This program prepared me to face challenges beyond those I’ve encountered in my career and made me a more well-rounded finance officer.”

Learn More

Kathryn Kruger

"I believe it is an important certification to add to my qualifications, and it has provided me with the exact training I needed the most."

Learn More

Stacy Willis

"Going through the process, I learned that there are just so many aspects of government finance that all are so crucial to a governments success and that they really need to all work together to be successful."

Learn More

Ross McCarthy

"The CPFO designation has given me the courage and desire to learn and further explore the many complexities of public finance."

Learn More

Dean Smith, CPFO

"Pursuing the CPFO is one of the best choices I have made in my professional career."

Learn More

Katie Sample, CPFO

"This program provided valuable insights into budgeting, financial reporting, and other critical aspects of managing government finances."

Learn More

Kurt Beal, CPFO

"The knowledge journey of becoming a CPFO, while primarily geared toward the enhancement and reinforcement of technical skills and knowledge also served as a wonderful refresher and reminder of the importance of soft skills that are critical to the role of a CFO in every organization."

Learn More

Benjamin Beutler, CPFO

"I’ve always sought to be an expert in government finance. This program helped me advance that goal."

Learn More

Margaret Wilson, CPFO

"While going through the process, I learned not just about the exam topics, which will be very beneficial in my career in local government, but I also learned more about myself."

Learn More

Crystal Welch, CPFO

"The CPFO designation has helped establish a new level of self-confidence and professionalism as well as enhanced my competency across all areas."

Learn More

Minta Hovland, CPFO

"Becoming a CPFO has given me an increased level of confidence to tackle a challenge and go outside my comfort zone."

Learn More

Rob Voshell, CPFO

"The certification has enhanced my ability to contribute to the success of my team, and overall financial health of the organization."

Learn More

Mitchell Nixon, CPFO

"As someone who's been in government finance for a only a few years the CPFO program has allowed me to build my knowledge and better serve the citizens in the communities I've had the opportunity to work in."

Learn More

Trisha Pollock, CPFO

"Becoming a CPFO has given me the education that I needed to build a more effective, efficient, and transparent finance department for the City of Victoria."

Learn More

Jeremy Andrykowski, CPFO

"Completing the program has given me a much deeper understanding of public finance, the requirements, systems, and best practices."

Learn More

Bill Christianson, CPFO

"For anyone who is looking to solidify their credentials in public finance and take the next step to elevate their career, the CPFO program is an ideal way to do it."

Learn More

Sherwin Pestka, CPFO

"Becoming a CPFO should be the #1 priority for anyone in government finance!  The wealth of knowledge gained through the program is extremely beneficial regardless of whether you are just beginning your career or are a seasoned professional."

Learn More

Angie Moore, CPFO

"Achieving the CPFO designation has instilled in me the confidence to lead not just within my department but also to offer guidance to other county agencies."

Learn More

Shawn Guan, CPFO

"The CPFO certification shows my capabilities to take on more responsibilities, so I can make more contributions to public education and students."

Learn More

Audrey Danek, CPFO

"I think many of us come into the government finance through one discipline, and get minor exposure to the other aspects. Going through this process allowed me to understand what others in my department are doing and how it all fits together."

Learn More

Micah Snead, CPFO

"Becoming a CPFO has given me an increased understanding and increased level of knowledge about local government finance that I would not have if I had not pursued the certification."

Learn More

Chelsie Wilson, CPFO

"I wanted to become a CPFO to gain more knowledge in the accounting profession and to better understand the role I play as a controller at the Town of Davie."

Learn More

Lauren Rider, CPFO

"Becoming a CPFO has helped me serve the citizens of Stafford County proficiently and consider the impacts of our financial decisions from a bigger picture."

Learn More

Melissa Hodnett, CPFO

"The CPFO program is really beneficial for those looking to take on more responsibility and help lead their organization."

Learn More

Sumitra Potharazu, CPFO

"The CPFO program is absolutely the best investment in yourself, your career, and your organization."

Learn More

Andy Lent, CPFO

"I would encourage all GFOA members to go through the program, no matter where you are in your finance career."

Learn More

Kent Austin, CPFO

"The CPFO designation has helped me gain job interviews and job offers and build a reputation for professionalism and competence."

Learn MOre

Steve Osborne, CPFO

"GFOA is a great organization with great principles and this program will help us better help the governments we oversee."

Learn More

Brian W. Caputo, Ph.D., CPFO

"If you are interested in highly relevant professional development, the CPFO program delivers."

Learn More

Catherine McClary, CPFO

"I've been able to use my certification as a positive example for pursuing continuing education for colleagues, staff, people I've mentored, and treasurers throughout the state."

Learn More

Share now!