Since 1991—through its Black Caucus Affinity Group, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has dedicated its resources to facilitate the integration and success of African Americans in the public finance space. More than three decades later, GFOA remains committed to its mission to support Black professionals pursuing careers in government finance.
For the past three years, the Black Caucus has recruited and empowered Historically Black College or University (HBCU) students to engage in state and city government finance and management. Today, the Caucus continues to build a strong coalition of HBCU students committed to developing their skills and preparing a successful professional path in public finance.
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) remains committed to supporting young Black talents and voices in the public finance field. “Our engagement with HBCUS goes beyond recruitment—it’s rooted in representation and purpose, said GFOA staff and Black Caucus Liaison, Mark Mack. “Every visit reinforces our commitment to helping students recognize the power of their voices in shaping the future of public finance.”
A 2021 Economic Policy Institute (EPI) analysis found that Black professionals made up just 11.6 percent of the local government workforce. Similarly, a 2022 National League of Cities (NLC) report showed that over 60 percent of counties reported underrepresentation of people of color, with BIPOC employees falling about seven percentage points below the communities they serve.
These disparities underscore the importance of the GFOA Black Caucus’ engagement with HBCUs in cultivating diverse talent in public finance leadership. And this year’s campus visits reaffirmed that mission, as students demonstrated curiosity, confidence, and a readiness to lead.
From first-year students to graduating seniors, HBCU students made one thing clear: they are more eager than ever to engage in today’s conversations around government finance and its impact on states and cities nationwide. As GFOA staff and Black Caucus member Thao Pham described it, “these students weren’t just looking for opportunities—they were ready to contribute, to ask thoughtful questions, and to see how their education connects to real-world public service.”
This enthusiasm demonstrates why GFOA's work extends beyond campus visits; it is about creating a lasting pathway for the next generation of public finance leaders.
GFOA introduced its Student Chapters initiative in 2018 to ultimately empower students to play an active role in shaping the future of public finance. In 2024 alone, the association awarded $105,000 in scholarships, with expectations to surpass that figure this year. “We want HBCU students to see government finance—not just as a career, but as a platform for driving equity, impact, and opportunity in their communities,” Mack reiterated.
