CPFO Spotlight: Rachelle Mathews
CPFO Spotlight: Rachelle Mathews
Rachelle Mathews, CPFO, is the director of Finance for the City of Lawrence, Kansas
Why did you want to become a CPFO?
GFOA has played a huge role in shaping my career. Its education and resources have helped me tackle real-world challenges with confidence. So, when I learned about the CPFO designation, it just clicked. It felt like a meaningful way to show my commitment to the field—and to keep growing. More than anything, I saw it as an opportunity to bring even greater value to my City and team. This wasn’t just a professional goal; it was personal.
What did you learn going through the process?
Going through the CPFO process was a journey. A challenging one—but incredibly rewarding. I went in with a strong foundation in areas like investment management and accounting and financial reporting, but this experience helped me sharpen those skills even further. It also opened doors to areas I hadn’t explored as deeply before, like compensation and risk management. I came out of it with a broader perspective and a deeper confidence in my ability to lead in this field.
How has becoming a CPFO made an impact on you in your profession or how do you hope it will make an impact?
Being the Sound Fiscal Stewardship Champion for our City’s strategic plan is something I truly take to heart. It’s more than a title—it reflects how seriously I take the responsibility of managing public resources. Becoming a CPFO has given me the knowledge, tools, and clarity to make even more informed decisions. It’s helped me grow into a more effective leader and a stronger partner and advisor to my team. I see it as a long-term investment that will continue to benefit both our organization and our community.
What would you say to others thinking about becoming a CPFO?
To anyone considering pursuing the CPFO certification, do it. Seriously—if you’re on the fence, just start. The CPFO process isn’t easy, but that’s what makes it worth it. You’ll stretch your thinking, build confidence, and gain a much deeper understanding of public finance. It’s not just about earning a credential. It’s about becoming part of a community that’s dedicated to excellence and integrity in serving the public. And that’s something to be proud of!