GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Staci Vigil

Staci Vigil is an accountant for the City of Marion, Iowa, where she supports financial operations and has developed a strong appreciation for how thoughtful financial management impacts the community she serves. She earned her bachelor of business administration in finance from Mount Mercy University and is currently pursuing an MBA with a concentration in finance at the University of Dubuque.

Staci has a passion for learning and problem-solving, enjoying the opportunity to apply her knowledge to support colleagues and navigate challenges. Outside of work and school, she enjoys spending time with her partner and their three children, especially traveling and attending concerts together.

Q & A with Staci

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

I am pursuing an MBA with a concentration in finance at The University of Dubuque. I’ve always loved math and numbers—early on, I even considered becoming a middle school algebra teacher. My passion shifted to finance in my twenties as I discovered how much I enjoyed creating budgets, analyzing decisions, and helping friends and family navigate financial choices. Finance allows me to combine my love of problem-solving, organization, and analytical thinking, while applying those skills to real-world challenges. Every course I take gives me ideas I can immediately apply in my work, which makes learning feel meaningful and purposeful. 

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

I work in local government and have been with the City of Marion, Iowa, for just over four years. I came into the field during COVID after a decade in hospitality, seeking stability and a new challenge. Marion is a growing, vibrant city, and it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to its progress. I love taking what I learn in school and applying it to our real-life projects, from budgets to problem-solving. I hope to continue building my career in local government, especially in roles that allow me to shape budgets and make decisions that directly benefit the community my family calls home. 

What are your future career goals?

My goal is to advance into a budget analyst role and ultimately serve as a finance director in local government. I am passionate about using financial analysis and problem-solving to make an impact on my community. I love when colleagues come to me with a challenge and I can help resolve it—it makes me feel valued and reinforces why I chose this path. I know there is always more to learn, and I am committed to growing professionally while continuing to serve my community in meaningful ways. Public finance is not just a career for me; it’s a way to contribute to something bigger than myself. 

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

GFOA’s scholarship is a tremendous support as I continue my MBA. Balancing full-time work, school, and a family of three children is challenging, and this scholarship allows me to focus on learning without the added financial stress. It enables me to fully invest in my growth, explore new skills, and bring fresh insights back to my team and community. I love learning and sharing knowledge with others, and this support helps me pursue my goals while continuing to serve my colleagues and the citizens of Marion. It truly makes my dreams more attainable.