YPN Spotlight: Riley Akervik

Riley Akervik is finance director for the Central Valley Health District in North Dakota.

Photo of Riley Akervik.

How did you get into public finance, and what led you to the Young Professionals Network (YPN)? 
After I graduated in 2021, I was studying to be a financial planner. Something didn't feel right, so I started looking for a new job and was recommended by a former professor to apply in local government. Three years later, and here I am! Now, I am actively involved in YPN after having a discussion with GFOA staff about getting this group activated again. Having the support of GFOA to make government finance more attractive to the younger generations is what really drew me in.

What role do you think YPN plays in shaping the future of public finance leadership?
I think YPN plays a key role in the future of government finance. I fear that if we do not take action, we will see an enormous loss in the world of government. Data shows that the government finance workforce is shrinking rapidly, so groups like us are key to fixing that problem. By engaging with our peers, we can draw interest and hopefully retain many more young professionals in our field. We have to continue to grow the next generation of leaders.

How does YPN help with mentorship and development for its members?
YPN is a great place for members to come together and ask the questions they might be afraid to ask elsewhere. It is also the perfect resource for the older generations to get information from in order to better understand the needs of their younger employees. By fostering development and growth, this group mentors one another to create stronger individuals. Together, we are developing the future of government!