GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Brandon Saunders

Brandon Saunders has served as assistant regional supervisor and senior exam staff for the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner since May 2016. Brandon has more than a decade of experience in highly regulatory environments and government supporting risk, compliance, and audit functions. Brandon holds a BS degree in Finance from Southeastern Louisiana University; and has Certificates in Management Development and Project Management from the LBJ School University of Texas at Austin. Brandon is currently pursuing an MBA with a Project Management specialization from Louisiana State University with plans to graduate in 2022. His future goals include continuing to serve as an organizational resource, while managing projects and people in financial regulation, compliance, and consumer protection.

Q & A with Brandon

Where and what are you currently studying? Why did you choose this? 

I am enrolled full-time in Louisiana State University’s Masters in Business Administration program specializing in Project Management. I chose to specialize in Project Management because I have always had a natural ability and interest to ensure projects run efficiently. Project managers help organizations improve efficiency, and in times where we are asked to do more with less, effective resource management is paramount. 

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

I currently work for the State of Texas with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner as a Consumer Protection and Compliance auditor/examiner.  Each day in my role is different, from developing new staff to assisting in agency planning. I embrace the challenge and growth from every new task within my role. 

What are your future career goals?

My future career goals include continuing to serve as an organizational resource, while managing projects and people in financial regulation, compliance, and consumer protection. I have confidence that my government experience thus far will help me to accomplish all of my professional goals ahead. 

Which GFOA scholarship did you receive this year, and how will GFOA's scholarship help you achieve those goals?

I received the Government Finance Professional Development scholarship. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals by not only reducing the financial burden of the current graduate program I am taking, but also by allowing me to have the money needed to obtain and train for other developmental certifications.