IN 2024, THE GFOAZ BOARD CREATED AN AWARD PROGRAM THAT RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION AND ORGANIZATION. THE TWO CATEGORIES CREATED ARE THE “FINANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD” AND THE “SERVICE AWARD”. NOMINATIONS FOR THESE AWARDS ARE SENT OUT WITH THE SUMMER CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND ARE PRESENTED DURING THE AWARDS PROGRAM LUNCH AT THE SUMMER CONFERENCE. THE GFOAZ SERVICE AWARD WAS CREATED TO RECOGNIZE A GFOAZ MEMBER WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ORGANIZATION AND MADE A LASTING IMPACT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE MEMBERSHIP. THIS AWARD IS PROVIDED TO HONOR THIS INDIVIDUAL’S DEDICATION AND SERVICE TO GFOAZ. THE GFOAZ FINANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD WAS CREATED TO RECOGNIZE GFOAZ MEMBERS WHO EXHIBIT A DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE PRACTICE OF GOVERNMENT FINANCE. THESE AWARD WINNERS HAVE DEMONSTRATED EXTRAORDINARY LEADERSHIP, INITIATIVE, OR INNOVATION IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES; AND HAVE MADE THROUGH THEIR CAREER, SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO GOVERNMENT FINANCE IN ARIZONA.
2024 Award Winners:
Finance Excellence Award
- Connie DeKemper, Finance Director, Yavapai County
Finance Excellence Award
- Dawn Lang, Deputy City Manager and CFO, Chandler
Service Award
- Jerry Hart, GFOAz Life Member, Membership Committee Chair
2025 Award winners:
Finance Excellence Award
- Vance Barlow, Town Manager, Colorado City
Finance Excellence Award
- Ann Fang, City Controller, Tempe
Service Award
- Kirsten Lennon, Financial Services Director, Cottonwood/Education Committee Chair
