GFOA Impact Stories

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.