2026 Scholarship Opportunities
Supporting Professional Development and the Next Generation of Public Finance Professionals

GFOA Fall Leadership Academy
November 15–20, 2026 | College of Charleston

Join GFOA for a week of professional growth, reflection, and connection at the Fall Leadership Academy, taking place November 15–20 at the College of Charleston. Designed for senior-level public finance professionals, this immersive program focuses on developing leadership skills, strengthening organizational impact, and exploring the core values of public service.

Applications are open through September 11.  Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and connect with fellow public finance professionals.

Click here for Academy details and online registration with GFOA.

Ohio GFOA is proud to support the professional development and continuing education of public finance professionals and staff throughout Ohio through our scholarship program.

Ohio GFOA’s 2026 scholarship program provided financial assistance to help offset the costs of conferences, educational programs, and professional development opportunities. These scholarships reflect Ohio GFOA’s commitment to encouraging lifelong learning, leadership development, and active engagement in the governmental finance profession.

We congratulate this year’s scholarship recipients and are pleased to support their continued professional growth and dedication to the public finance profession.

First-Time Annual Conference Scholarship
Travis Banks, Utility Billing Supervisor, City of Middletown    
Christian Baughman, Treasurer, City of Wadsworth
Skylar Brocious, Accountant, Auditor of State Ohio, East Region
Jill Lindhorst, Director of Finance, City of Tiffin
Robbie Kehl, Fiscal Officer, Muskingum County Library System
  Tammy Polen, Fiscal Officer, Wayne Township Fiscal Officer

GFOA Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) Program Scholarship
Jennifer Howland, Finance Director, City of Bedford
Derek Morgan, Senior Finance Specialist, City of Montgomery 

Traditional Student College Scholarship
Breanna Ball, Senior at Otterbein University with a Major in Accounting, formerly interned at Julian & Grube, Inc.