GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Diane Thibodeau

Diane Thibodeau is a contract administrator for the Division of Public Works at the City of Nashua, New Hampshire, where she has worked for more than 11 years. In her role, she manages contracts, ensures compliance, and works closely with project managers, contractors, and state partners to support the successful delivery of municipal projects. She is known for her ability to make complex financial and procedural requirements more accessible, helping teams navigate processes efficiently while remaining aligned with public policy. 

Diane is currently pursuing a bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in accounting at Southern New Hampshire University. She is passionate about ethical, transparent financial management and enjoys training and supporting others to build confidence in navigating financial systems. As a working professional and single mother, she brings a disciplined and practical approach to both her career and education.  

Q & A with Diane

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

I am currently attending Southern New Hampshire University, pursuing a bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in accounting. I chose this path based on my experience in municipal government and my goal of advancing within public finance. I am especially drawn to the problem-solving side of the work—researching discrepancies, tracking budgets, and supporting project managers so they feel confident in the financial aspects of their projects. I enjoy bringing clarity to situations that initially feel complex or uncertain. Just as important, I value helping others understand financial processes, which allows me to contribute in a collaborative way while building strong working relationships. 

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

I currently work for the City of Nashua, New Hampshire, in the Division of Public Works, and I plan to continue building my career in municipal government. I am drawn to local government because of the direct impact it has on operations and the ability to see projects move from planning through completion. I enjoy contributing to effective, well-managed processes and helping teams navigate financial requirements so projects can move forward smoothly. I also value seeing projects come to fruition within the community—particularly large infrastructure projects that improve daily life for thousands of residents, often in ways that go unnoticed. The collaborative nature of municipal government, along with the opportunity to support projects through sound financial practices, makes it an environment where I see long-term professional growth. 

What are your future career goals?

My goal is to advance into a financial management role within municipal government, ideally for a large town or small city within the next five years. I am particularly interested in roles that combine financial and budgetary management with oversight, process improvement, and cross-department collaboration. I want to be a leader who makes financial processes more accessible and efficient, helping others understand how to work within them rather than around them. I also value mentoring and developing others and hope to support colleagues in building confidence and capability in navigating financial and compliance requirements. 

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

Receiving the Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship will allow me to complete my degree without taking on significant additional debt, enabling me to stay focused on both my academic progress and professional responsibilities. Beyond the financial support, the scholarship provides meaningful opportunities for continued learning, including access to GFOA training programs over the next three years. These resources will help strengthen my knowledge of government finance and support my growth within municipal financial management. I am truly grateful for this support and the opportunity it provides.