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Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO)
CPFO Spotlights

CPFO Spotlights

Shining a light on those who have completed the CPFO journey. Learn how becoming a CPFO has made an impact on their careers below.

Justin Smith

"Becoming a CPFO will provide me with additional resources to stay on top of the ever-changing rules and regulations in government finance."

Amanda Deaton-Moyer

"What a great program to pause and connect the dots on why and how government works."

Sam Naik

"Give yourself a chance to demonstrate to everyone else what you already know!"

Kim Coffman

"This certification not only distinguishes you from others when networking and job searching, but also helps you attain a broad knowledge base in the industry."

Kari Klages

"Going through the CPFO process has strengthened and enhanced my skills and increased my ability and confidence to handle the complex financial responsibilities required by my role."

Sherry Walker

"To anyone who wants to develop themselves into an overall public finance officer, this is an excellent opportunity to gain that knowledge with backing of GFOA resources at your fingertips."

Tavia Ritchie

"GFOA is the premier government finance organization. Their CPFO program lives up to that hype as well."

Jon Grover

“The time and money investment made into the program will be a sliver compared to the value it produces."

Christine Thompson

"The program prepared me to be a competent leader with in-depth knowledge and critical skills."

Jennifer Ustation

"It has strengthened my knowledge and given me confidence that helps me navigate challenges that come my way."

LaQuanza Flowers

"I feel better equipped to implement best practices, assess financial risks, assist in the development of strategic plans, and make informed financial decisions that positively impact my organization and community."

Laura A. Fitzpatrick

“Learning more of the various languages in public finance has been invaluable."

Bobby Fitzjohn

“This program prepared me to face challenges beyond those I’ve encountered in my career and made me a more well-rounded finance officer.”

Kathryn Kruger

"I believe it is an important certification to add to my qualifications, and it has provided me with the exact training I needed the most."

Stacy Willis

"Going through the process, I learned that there are just so many aspects of government finance that all are so crucial to a governments success and that they really need to all work together to be successful."

Ross McCarthy

"The CPFO designation has given me the courage and desire to learn and further explore the many complexities of public finance."

Dean Smith, CPFO

"Pursuing the CPFO is one of the best choices I have made in my professional career."

Katie Sample, CPFO

"This program provided valuable insights into budgeting, financial reporting, and other critical aspects of managing government finances."

Kurt Beal, CPFO

"The knowledge journey of becoming a CPFO, while primarily geared toward the enhancement and reinforcement of technical skills and knowledge also served as a wonderful refresher and reminder of the importance of soft skills that are critical to the role of a CFO in every organization."

Benjamin Beutler, CPFO

"I’ve always sought to be an expert in government finance. This program helped me advance that goal."

Margaret Wilson, CPFO

"While going through the process, I learned not just about the exam topics, which will be very beneficial in my career in local government, but I also learned more about myself."

Crystal Welch, CPFO

"The CPFO designation has helped establish a new level of self-confidence and professionalism as well as enhanced my competency across all areas."

Minta Hovland, CPFO

"Becoming a CPFO has given me an increased level of confidence to tackle a challenge and go outside my comfort zone."

Rob Voshell, CPFO

"The certification has enhanced my ability to contribute to the success of my team, and overall financial health of the organization."

Mitchell Nixon, CPFO

"As someone who's been in government finance for a only a few years the CPFO program has allowed me to build my knowledge and better serve the citizens in the communities I've had the opportunity to work in."

Trisha Pollock, CPFO

"Becoming a CPFO has given me the education that I needed to build a more effective, efficient, and transparent finance department for the City of Victoria."

Jeremy Andrykowski, CPFO

"Completing the program has given me a much deeper understanding of public finance, the requirements, systems, and best practices."

Bill Christianson, CPFO

"For anyone who is looking to solidify their credentials in public finance and take the next step to elevate their career, the CPFO program is an ideal way to do it."

Sherwin Pestka, CPFO

"Becoming a CPFO should be the #1 priority for anyone in government finance! The wealth of knowledge gained through the program is extremely beneficial regardless of whether you are just beginning your career or are a seasoned professional."

Angie Moore, CPFO

"Achieving the CPFO designation has instilled in me the confidence to lead not just within my department but also to offer guidance to other county agencies."

Shawn Guan, CPFO

"The CPFO certification shows my capabilities to take on more responsibilities, so I can make more contributions to public education and students."

Audrey Danek, CPFO

"I think many of us come into the government finance through one discipline, and get minor exposure to the other aspects. Going through this process allowed me to understand what others in my department are doing and how it all fits together."

Micah Snead, CPFO

"Becoming a CPFO has given me an increased understanding and increased level of knowledge about local government finance that I would not have if I had not pursued the certification."

Chelsie Wilson, CPFO

"I wanted to become a CPFO to gain more knowledge in the accounting profession and to better understand the role I play as a controller at the Town of Davie."

Lauren Rider, CPFO

"Becoming a CPFO has helped me serve the citizens of Stafford County proficiently and consider the impacts of our financial decisions from a bigger picture."

Melissa Hodnett, CPFO

"The CPFO program is really beneficial for those looking to take on more responsibility and help lead their organization."

Sumitra Potharazu, CPFO

"The CPFO program is absolutely the best investment in yourself, your career, and your organization."

Andy Lent, CPFO

"I would encourage all GFOA members to go through the program, no matter where you are in your finance career."

Kent Austin, CPFO

"The CPFO designation has helped me gain job interviews and job offers and build a reputation for professionalism and competence."

Steve Osborne, CPFO

"GFOA is a great organization with great principles and this program will help us better help the governments we oversee."

Brian W. Caputo, Ph.D., CPFO

"If you are interested in highly relevant professional development, the CPFO program delivers."

Catherine McClary, CPFO

"I've been able to use my certification as a positive example for pursuing continuing education for colleagues, staff, people I've mentored, and treasurers throughout the state."

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