GFOA's 2021 Scholarship Recipients.

• Author: Carter, Genevieve
• Position: SPOTLIGHT ON

Each year, GFOA is proud to award more than $100,000 in academic scholarships to students from across the country who are interested in pursuing careers in government finance. These students are at all stages of their education and careers, but they share a passion for local government.

This year, we asked our 2021 academic scholarship recipients a few questions about their goals for the coming year. Here's what they had to say.

JUSTIN CASANOVA-DAVIS

The recipient of the $20,000 Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship is Justin Casanova-Davis.

Justin has bean the assistant town administrator for the Town of Brookline, Massachusetts since October 2018. Before that, he was a principal budget analyst for the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Budget Department. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Boston College and a Suffolk Graduate Certificate in Local Government, Leadership, and Management. Justin is seeking a Master of Public Administration degree at Suffolk University and will graduate in winter 2021.

A CHAT WITH JUSTIN

Why did you choose to study public administration?

I am passionate about public service. Suffolk has a tremendous program, and I want to continue developing and acquiring additional skills that will help me be a better leader and public servant during my career.

What are your career goals?

I'm passionate about the work that I do, and I have been preparing for the next step in my career, becoming a city or town manager. I ultimately want to become an ICMA Credentialed Manager, which in my estimation, exemplifies a high standard of integrity and capability as a manager. Most importantly, I want to serve as a mentor, encouraging people to pursue careers in municipal government. I'm passionate about this mission, particularly about working on efforts to increase diversity within our profession.

How will the scholarship you received help you achieve those goals?

I am profoundly grateful and honored by the investment in my professional development by the Girard Miller Foundation and GFOA. This scholarship will allow me to complete my Master's in Public Administration this fall and help me achieve my career goals. Part of any academic program has a financial burden. This scholarship will help me further my education and allow me to continue to grow and enhance my skills to be an even better public servant.

EMMA BRANDT

Emma is one of two recipients of the Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship; she will receive $10,000.

Emma is the finance officer for the Lapeer County Road Commission in Lapeer, Michigan. Before that, she was the assistant finance officer for Lapeer County Health Department, and she's also been the records clerk for the Lapeer County Sheriff's Office. Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Baker College and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree with an accounting emphasis from the University of Southern Indiana; she will graduate in June 2021. Since July 2019, Emma has volunteered as a coordinator for the Sheriff's Office Victim Service Unit, where she helps respond to families that have lost a loved one to an unexpected death in Lapeer County.

ACHAT WITH EMMA

Why did you choose this field?

I chose this field when I was a freshman in high school, after my first finance class. I am passionate about accounting and management.

What are your career goals?

My future career goals right now are to become CFO of Lapeer County.

I also have my eyes on management.

Ho w will the scholarship you received help you achieve those goals?

It will help me finish my current master's degree, and with the scholarship, I plan to get a Master of Public...