Signature program builds upon Institute of Government training for financial professionals
The Public Finance Leadership Academy (PFLA) at UGA recently honored 18 professionals graduating from the elite program.
A partnership between the University of Georgia Institute of Government and the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association (GGFOA), the intensive program equips new and emerging public sector financial management leaders with the knowledge they need to successfully manage the fiscal affairs and activities of a local government.
Amanda Hannah, finance director of Wayne County, credits the program as a pivotal milestone in her professional development.
“PFLA has equipped me with tools to communicate financial information effectively, conduct thoughtful interviews, and understand complex fiscal processes,” she said. “It has transformed my approach to financial leadership, empowering me to foster transparency and trust in our community’s fiscal future."
The PFLA certification is a high-level distinction for finance professionals. The program builds upon topics covered in the Institute of Government’s Local Government Finance Officer Levels I and II training. Institute faculty and external government finance industry partners teach about preparing the annual comprehensive financial report, human resources, economic development, local government structure, and more.
“Technical skills are important in the public finance profession, but so is leadership ability. PFLA builds upon our foundational certificate programs to provide critical skills to help finance officers really shine,” said John Hulsey, the faculty member who leads PFLA.
Participants explore various subjects, including leadership and effective communication, local government structure, human resource management, economic development, preparing the annual comprehensive financial report, and more.
The program also fosters a supportive network within each cohort.
“Meeting new people in leadership roles in government has been great. There were so many smart professionals–I feel that I can reach out to anyone in this group for advice and guidance after this program ends,” said Karen Austin, accounting manager for the city of Fayetteville.
Classes are taught in a hybrid format with meetings held online and in-person at UGA Gwinnett. Candidates eligible for the competitive program must have completed Level I and II Finance Officer certification or hold specific financial professional designations. GGFOA offers two scholarships for attendees.
At the recent graduation ceremony, each participant presented key takeaways from the program. The presentations highlighted how engaged leadership and effective communication are essential to an organization.
A mix of curiosity and skepticism brought Christopher Evans, finance director of Georgia Public Library Service, to the program. He left with an appreciation of the power of effective leadership.
“PFLA perfectly aligned with my evolution from a hard-core analytical finance perfectionist to a more mindful mentor for the next generation of professionals working in Georgia’s public libraries,” he said. “The program provided me not only with valuable technical knowledge but also with a broader, more balanced perspective on leadership and public service. I look forward to applying these lessons in my continued efforts to mentor and support public library finance professionals across the state.”
For more information and to apply for the next PFLA cohort, visit cviog.uga.edu/pfla.
2024-25 Public Finance Leadership Academy Graduates
Valencia L. Allen-Love, DeKalb County School District
Karen Austin, City of Fayetteville
Marlena Carlisle-Joseph, City of Atlanta
Brandon Denson, DeKalb County School District
Angelina Dixon, City of Atlanta
Christopher A. Evans, Georgia Public Library Service
Ronnie D. Ezell, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners
Amanda Hannah, Wayne County Commission
Eugene Herrington, Clayton County Schools
Beverly Hilton, City of Tucker
Jessica L. Hudson, DeKalb County Police Department
Whittney M. McPherson, Lumpkin County Schools
Hilary Ann Mullinax, Cartersville City Schools
Katharyn Rees, DeKalb County School District
Chere A. Rucker, City of Flowery Branch
Sarah Shackelford, City of Winder
Tijauna Naylor Smith, DeKalb County School District
Chelai S. Williams, DeKalb County School District