Q&A WITH RILEY AKERVIK.

• Author: Mucha, Mike

Mike Mucha, GFOA's deputy executive director, spoke with Riley Akervik, the financial director for the Central Valley Health District in Jamestown, North Dakota, about leadership, community service, networking, and the role of GFOA's small government forum in building connections between rural finance officers.

Mike: Can you tell us about Central Valley Health District and specifically what your role is as financial director?

Riley: Central Valley Health is a public health organization that services Stutsman and Logan Counties in North Dakota. We also contract with six other counties to provide support. Our mission is to prevent, promote, and protect for optimal community health--we do this by providing a wide range of services including nursing services, vaccinations and immunizations, in-home care, environmental health, injury and substance abuse prevention/education, and emergency preparedness/planning.

My role as financial director takes on many forms, but I mostly lead financial operations, including our budget and financial reporting processes. We have a small office, and many staff members take on multiple roles. I noticed that I could help with other administrative tasks and have taken on roles including benefits coordinator, building management, asset management, and other small human resource tasks.

Not having worked for government or a public health organization before, what interested you in this role?

I went to school for business and wanted to become a financial planner. After I graduated, I worked for Ameriprise Financial in this role. It wasn't the right fit for me and was on the lookout for a new position. One of the board members for Central Valley Health District was also employed at The University of Jamestown, where I got my degree, and mentioned the position to me. When I went to college, I thought I wanted to be a nurse, and this position seemed like a great opportunity to blend my interests in healthcare and finance.

So, you took the job with no past public finance experience?

I did. I knew I had a lot to learn. The position had a heavy focus on accounting, and I didn't have an accounting background--but I knew I'd have a good mentor. Unfortunately, she was forced to leave the organization very early in my tenure and I was on my own after only two months on the job. Ultimately, it worked out well. I have a great team and wasn't afraid to ask questions. I also built a strong relationship with our external auditor and was able to ask if there were areas where I needed assistance.

You've now been in the job a little more than a year and a half. What would you say is the most important thing you've been able to learn?

While I've enjoyed learning the technical accounting aspects of the job, the most important thing I've learned are time management skills. The previous financial director was not very approachable and maintained a "closed door" style in the office. When I...