CPFO Spotlight: Tavia Ritchie
Tavia Ritchie, CPA, CPFO, CGFO, is finance director for the City of Kissimmee, Florida.
Why did you want to become a CPFO?
GFOA is the premier government finance organization. Their CPFO program lives up to that hype as well. The dedication to advancing our industry is contagious. I wanted to be a part of that. I have always tried to live by the motto of “never stop learning,” and I felt obtaining my CPFO would further sharpen the tools in my toolbox.
What did you learn going through the process?
Government finance has so many aspects to it. As a finance director, I am asked to know a lot about a lot; and as public servants, we are asked to do a lot with a little. I felt that continuously evolving my knowledge would help me do more with that little.
How has becoming a CPFO made an impact on you in your profession or how do you hope it will make an impact?
I hope it shows the drive in myself and my peers throughout the industry. It takes effort and discipline to become a CPFO. It shows character to want to invest in yourself to ensure you are fully equipped to serve your community to the best of your abilities.
What would you say to others thinking about becoming a CPFO?
You don’t have to be a beginner to learn. You can be a seasoned professional and have many takeaways.