GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Nicole Hegge

Nicole Hegge is a senior manager of accounting at Anoka County, Minnesota, where she supports financial operations and programs that serve the community. She transitioned into public service after working in the private sector, bringing a perspective shaped by early exposure to local government through her family’s background in public finance.

Nicole earned her Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation in 2024 and is an active member of the Government Finance Officers Association, participating in the Women’s Public Finance Network and serving as a volunteer reviewer for the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. She is particularly interested in how financial systems, policy, and leadership intersect to support effective and sustainable local government.

Q & A with Nicole

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

I am currently pursuing a master of public administration at Hamline University. I chose this program to better understand how financial decisions connect to policy, leadership, and service delivery in local government. I came into public service later in my career after working in the private sector, and that transition made me realize how different and complex decision-making can be in government. Over time, I saw that many of the decisions I support are shaped by factors beyond finance alone. The MPA is helping me build a broader perspective and strengthen the skills I need to support more complex, organization-wide decisions. I will also begin the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program in 2026, which complements my MPA studies by providing applied leadership training. 

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

I currently work in county government at Anoka County, Minnesota, where I oversee financial operations and support human services programs. I plan to continue working in local government, whether at the county or city level. What I value most is seeing how financial decisions directly affect services and the people who rely on them. I am especially interested in roles that allow me to align financial resources with community priorities and ensure public resources are managed responsibly and transparently. 

What are your future career goals?

My long-term career goal is to serve as a finance director or a city administrator. I am interested in roles that combine financial strategy with broader organizational leadership. As a finance director, I would focus on strengthening financial planning, internal controls, and transparency. As a city administrator, I would build on that foundation by guiding overall operations, supporting elected officials, and helping organizations navigate complex decisions while maintaining long-term sustainability. I am motivated by the opportunity to strengthen local government systems and contribute to communities in a meaningful and lasting way. 

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

Receiving the GFOA scholarship provides meaningful support for my continued academic and professional growth as I balance graduate study with a full-time role in public finance. This support gives me additional flexibility to consider academic opportunities such as pursuing a concentration or exploring a dual master’s degree, as I have found myself genuinely enjoying being back in school. This scholarship not only supports my current studies, but also strengthens my preparation for future leadership roles, including finance director or city administrator, by expanding my knowledge, skills, and long-term capacity to serve local government effectively.