Constant Themes Over 120 Years of Progress
In his 1906 inaugural address to members of the National Association of Comptrollers and Accounting Officers (which later would become GFOA), Samuel B. Williams—president and comptroller for the City of Rochester, New York—previewed topics of interest and discussion for members. Coincidentally, many of the pressing topics he listed are very similar to the priorities of GFOA members 120 years later. Even with more than a century of progress, evolution, continued collaboration and development of best practices, and many major landmark achievements, the fact that these topics are still so important speaks to the core values finance professionals work to promote, the importance of maintaining public trust, accountability, and transparency, and the critical public service role that finance professionals play in building thriving communities.
Publication Date: April 2026
Author: Chris Morrill
