GFOA Impact Stories

Liliya Sablukova, CGFO, GFOA member since 2017

I have been utilizing and reading GFOA Best Practices since 2010, when I first joined the government finance team as a treasury management clerk. My involvement with GFOA deepened when I joined FGFOA in 2013 and GFOA in 2017. I continually seek out GFOA-specific policies and procedures that contribute to improved government management for my organization and community.

One of my most valued resources is the Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting (GAAFR) Blue Book, 2024 edition, which I keep on my desk. I often take a few minutes to research and review relevant sections, especially before presenting financial data, budgets, or asset information. I frequently quote paragraphs and sentences from the Blue Book to support my discussions, ensuring accuracy and credibility.

Without the wealth of resources provided by GFOA, I would not have gained the knowledge and insights that have helped me grow professionally each year and each week. These resources have played a significant role in my development and have contributed to my reaching my current position as CFO.

One key lesson I’ve carried with me from my involvement with GFOA is the importance of continuous improvement and learning from peers. Serving as a reviewer for the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award Program for several years, as well as participating in the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, has been an invaluable experience. It allowed me to see how other governments approach financial management and reporting, and it provided me with insights and best practices that I could adapt and apply to my own organization.

Kate Buch, GFOA member since the early 1990s.

The GFOA of Connecticut, the National Conferences, the Advanced Finance Institute and the CPFO program are just a few.  I was fortunate to serve on a standing committee (CORBA) and later on the Executive Board of the GFOA.  The people I have met through the GFOA, the friendships I made with peers across the country have been the greatest resource in my career.

Jenny Signs, GFOA member since 2018

I’ve been a part of the Government Finance Officers Association since 2018, when I first transitioned into government finance. While I brought a background in accounting and law, stepping into my first true government accounting role came with a steep learning curve. GFOA quickly became an essential guide by providing not just technical knowledge, but a broader understanding of what it means to serve as a public finance professional and, ultimately, a Finance Director.

Through GFOA, I gained access to best practices, resources, and a network of professionals who were generous with their knowledge and experience. It helped shape my approach to leadership, reinforced the importance of stewardship, and challenged me to think beyond compliance; to see finance as a strategic function that supports the long-term success of an organization and the community it serves.

My involvement deepened when I had the opportunity to chair the Small Government Forum. Being part of building and shaping that forum into a meaningful and successful space for collaboration was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. The relationships I developed and the shared learning that came from that experience are things I will carry with me throughout my professional journey. I’m forever grateful to Mark Mack and Eric Roach of GFOA for giving me that opportunity.

GFOA conferences and in-person events have also been incredibly impactful. They provide a space where ideas are exchanged openly, challenges are discussed honestly, and solutions are developed collectively. In addition to learning from others, I’ve had the opportunity to give back by leading training sessions and sharing my own experiences, lessons learned, and practical approaches with peers. That experience of both learning from and teaching alongside fellow professionals has been especially meaningful, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that makes GFOA so unique.

Most recently, I pursued and earned the Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation in January of this year. That journey was truly transformative. It pushed me to deepen my knowledge across all areas of public finance and solidified my commitment to excellence in this profession. Earning the CPFO has been both a personal and professional milestone, one that reflects not only my growth, but the support and foundation that GFOA has provided along the way.

GFOA has been more than an organization to me; it has been a partner in my development, a source of inspiration, and a community that continually elevates the profession. I’m proud to be part of its legacy and excited to contribute to its future.

Caroline Santos, GFOA member since 2014

Throughout my career in public finance, GFOA has provided a strong foundation of technical excellence, helping me grow in both knowledge and confidence. But what has made the greatest impact on me is the community. Being part of the Women’s Public Finance Network has been especially meaningful. Connecting with and learning from other women in public finance has been both inspiring and energizing. There is something powerful about being surrounded by leaders who are willing to share, support, and lift each other up.

One of the most rewarding moments in my GFOA journey was presenting last year in Washington, D.C. for a WPFN leadership session. It was an opportunity not only to share my experiences, but also to contribute to a broader conversation about leadership, growth, and the importance of supporting one another in this field. I am grateful to be part of a community that is committed to excellence, collaboration, and the future of public finance.