GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Rachel Eddings

Rachel Eddings is the finance officer for the Town of Montreat in Western North Carolina. Originally from the Ohio-Michigan area, Rachel has called Black Mountain, North Carolina, home for the last 22 years. She has always focused on being the best employee by continuing her education and learning everything she could from each position. She recently enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program at Montreat College.

Q & A with Rachel

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

I am enrolled at Montreat College located in Montreat, North Carolina in the Master of Public Administration program. I chose this topic because as the finance officer for a municipality, I not only needed to learn the differences between local government finance and private finance, but the ins and outs of local government as well. Learning about local government processes and procedures facilitates my learning of finance within the bigger picture, enabling me to be a better asset for the Town.

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

I am the finance officer for the Town of Montreat in North Carolina. I have been employed here for a little over a year. Before, I had no experience in local government, though I had worked in the public sector but not as a finance officer. I had interviewed for a finance officer with another town a year earlier but was not given the position due to not having local government experience. When the finance officer position for the Town of Montreat opened, trying to remain optimistic, I applied and subsequently was awarded the position. I am very appreciative for the Town of Montreat to take a chance on me. Throughout my first year of employment with the Town, I have learned a lot about the differences between the private and public sectors, though, I know I have a significant more to learn.

What are your future career goals?

My future career goals consist of continuing my education to complete the Master of Public Administration program while starting the courses to earn the title of Certified Financial Officer from the GFOA and the NC School of Government. I intend on staying with the Town of Montreat until I retire. However, I know life happens and everything could change in the blink of an eye. So, I don't know where I will end up, but I know I have found my home in local government finance.

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

This scholarship will provide the funds necessary to complete my current program of study, while also offering the option for additional courses to further my knowledge in local government finance. I am so appreciative and proud that the GFOA chose to award the Goldberg- Miller Public Finance scholarship to me to help me through this journey. I hope to make the GFOA proud of me, as I am to receive this tremendous opportunity.