Position 2

Jen Carlson, CPA, finance director for the City of Duluth, Minnesota, has been a GFOA member since 2015. She currently serves on GFOA’s Committee on Governmental Budgeting and Fiscal Policy and is a frequent presenter at GFOA's Annual Conference and Budget Academy trainings, sharing expertise on performance-informed budgeting, program budgeting, and priority-based budgeting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jen actively engaged in GFOA webinars to stay current on emerging best practices and fiscal strategies. The insights she gained helped inform her response to economic uncertainty, helping her guide the city through financial recovery efforts and supporting long-term planning.

As finance director, Jen has led the successful implementation of priority-based budgeting during a period of fiscal constraint and reduced staffing, aligning resources with strategic goals through collaboration across departments. Over her twenty-year career in government finance, she has upheld high standards in financial planning and reporting, supported by the city's recognition through GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Jen also serves on the University of Minnesota Debt Management Advisory Committee and holds leadership roles on the City of Duluth’s Local Board of Appeal and Equalization and Special Assessment Board. Her work with Duluth’s Equity Action Team, Sustainability Advisory Team, and Leadership Team reflects her commitment to forward-looking governance.

Jen’s goals for GFOA include strengthening its role as a resource for best practices, promoting innovative budgeting strategies, and helping members navigate challenges in the evolving landscape of public finance.