GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Becky Gatcomb

Becky Gatcomb is the Deputy Treasurer and Tax Collector for the Town of Southwest Harbor, Maine. She previously attended Husson University, majoring in Accounting, before having to put her studies on hold. She has since been certified as Treasurer and Tax Collector with the Maine Municipal Tax Collectors' and Treasurers' Association. She has also taken courses with the American Institute of CPAs, the Maine Municipal Association, and the Maine Government Finance Officers Association. Becky plans to resume her education at Husson University this fall.

Q & A with Becky

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

I’m pursuing a Bachelors in Accounting at Husson University. I chose this path because it’s practical and universal - and just a starting point. Accounting is a field that provides a foundation and understanding of financial practices, enabling me to lay down roots and then grow into the nuances and niches of my career over time.

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

I’ve been working in Finance for the Town of Southwest Harbor, Maine since January 2021. I hope to continue serving my community and use my education to contribute to the economic progress in our growing area.  

What are your future career goals?

I plan to continue serving my Coastal Maine community in public finance. Being surrounded by a National Park has created a unique tourism-driven economy for our area. We’re also coming into new challenges such as the increase of short-term rentals, the need for affordable housing for the local workforce, and sea-level rise deteriorating our coast and damaging our working waterfront piers. I hope to use my education and experience to contribute to the growth and development of our community, while looking ahead and planning for the challenges on our horizon.  

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

This scholarship will allow me to begin taking classes again and working towards the completion of my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, which will lay the groundwork of understanding the unique economy of our community. This will open up more opportunities to continue my education and specialized training to better serve our community in the finance office and prepare for future challenges that we will face, focusing on economic resilience and growth - which all begins with a solid foundation.