GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Crystal Jordan

Crystal Jordan is a budget fiscal services manager for Macomb County, Michigan, where she oversees financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal operations within local government. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Walsh College, maintaining a strong academic record while focusing on strengthening her leadership and financial management expertise. Crystal is passionate about advancing financial transparency, accountability, and strategic decision-making in the local public sector, where her contributions directly affect communities that she has grown to love. Her professional experience includes working closely with departments to improve budgeting processes, financial reporting, and long-term fiscal sustainability. In addition to her government role, Crystal is the founder of Clean Financial Services Foundation, a non-profit entity with initiatives focused on financial literacy, community empowerment, and economic advancement in communities where accessibility is limited . She is committed to bridging the gap between financial knowledge and access, with a long-term goal of influencing public policy and expanding financial education within underserved communities.

Q & A with Crystal

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

I am currently pursuing a master of business administration (MBA) at Walsh College in Troy, MI. I chose this program to help expand my understanding of leadership, financial management, and strategic decision-making within organizations. My studies allow me to connect academic theories and concepts with my professional experience in government finance, specifically in the areas of budgeting, planning and fiscal operations. I am particularly interested in how data-driven decision-making and financial analysis can improve efficiency and accountability in the public sector. This degree is helping me build the technical and leadership skills necessary to make a more meaningful impact in the public sector as financial services professional.

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

I currently work in local government with Macomb County, Michigan, where I serve as a budget fiscal services manager. I have developed a deeper appreciation for government finance through direct involvement in budgeting and financial planning. In the future, I plan to continue growing within government finance, with the hopes of advancing into more senior leadership roles, where I can contribute to policy development and financial strategy that promotes transparency, public trust and unbiassed resource allocation. I am particularly interested in staying within the local government area, where financial decisions have a direct impact on communities similar to the ones I grew up in. As I continue to serve my local municipalities, one of my primary goals is to be an example of integrity, ethical stewardship, and accountability in public service.

What are your future career goals?

My future career goals include advancing into executive leadership within government finance, where I can influence financial strategy, policy, and long-term planning. I aspire to serve in roles such deputy finance director or finance director where I can assist with leading the Finance Department to financial success and ethical stewardship while possibly spearheading initiatives that strengthen fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. Beyond my government role, I am personally committed to expanding financial literacy through nonprofit initiatives, aiming to bridge the gap between financial knowledge and access by providing education, tools, and resources that empower individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions.

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

Receiving this scholarship from the Government Finance Officers Association significantly supports my academic and professional journey. It allows me to continue focusing on my MBA studies while remaining fully engaged in public service. Beyond financial support, this recognition connects me to a network of professionals dedicated to excellence in government finance. This opportunity will help me further develop the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to contribute to effective and responsible government financial management. I am dedicated to using my education and experience to strengthen public financial institutions and to serve as the kind of leader I once wished to see, one who manages public resources with integrity, accountability, and purpose.