GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Ashlea Houston

Ashlea Houston is a management analyst in the City Manager’s Office for the City of Del Mar, California, where she supports department budgeting, contract oversight, and citywide initiatives. She has worked in local government for over three years and previously served in both the Finance Department and City Manager’s Office for the City of Villa Park, California. Through this role, Ashlea gained early experience in municipal budgeting, accounting, and capital planning, which shaped her appreciation for the pivotal role finance plays in effective public administration. 

Ashlea earned a bachelor of arts in business management and humanities and is currently pursuing a master of public administration at California State University, Long Beach. With a strong interest in public finance and city administration, she is working toward advancing into management roles with the long‑term goal of becoming a city manager. Outside of work, Ashlea enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring Southern California with family and friends. 

Q & A with Ashlea

Where and what are you currently studying, and why did you choose this?

I am pursuing a master of public administration program at California State University, Long Beach. I chose this program because of its strong reputation in Southern California and its practical focus on local government management. Courses in public budgeting, grants administration, policy analysis, and leadership align with both my current job responsibilities and future career goals. Much of my public finance background has been developed through on‑the‑job experience and mentorship, so I am excited to build on that foundation with a formal master’s program that directly aligns with my field of work. 

What government are you working in or hope to work at in the future?

I currently work for the City of Del Mar, California, as a management analyst in the City Manager’s Office. In this role, I support department budgeting, contract oversight, and major city initiatives. I have found it extremely rewarding to work in local government where the impacts of our effort are directly realized in the communities we serve. No matter what program or service we offer, I have seen first-hand how effective fiscal management is of central importance to residents. I am motivated to continue growing in my financial expertise to effectively serve local communities in creative, transparent, and fiscally sound ways. 

What are your future career goals?

My long‑term career goal is to become a city manager, which is ultimately a role that requires a strong foundation in public finance. Through my experience working in cities and learning from mentors across departments, I have seen the importance of effective financial management for every city decision. It is what enables cities to responsibly fund services, plan for the future, and maintain public trust, and it is a skillset I hope to continue to develop as I progress in my career. In the coming years I plan to advance into finance‑related and managerial roles in local government to continue strengthening my skills in budgeting, policy, and ​organizational leadership.  

How will GFOA’s scholarship help you achieve those goals?

GFOA’s scholarship allows me to continue pursuing important educational milestones in my local government career through generous support toward my master of public administration. I have admired GFOA since my early government roles preparing the annual city budget for the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and participating in GFOA trainings. Being supported by an organization that sets national standards for ethics, transparency, and excellence in government finance is especially meaningful to me. I look forward to staying engaged with GFOA as I pursue my MPA and continue growing in my career in municipal government.