— OUR HISTORY

About Us

Established in 1985, the Government Finance Officers Association- Washington Metropolitan Area (GFOA-WMA) chapter is a member organization for financial professionals in government, such as accounting, budgeting, banking, insurance and investment. We lead and encourage the pursuit and administration of sound financial management, policies, procedures and systems. Our networking events and ongoing education help members build their skills and advance their careers, resulting in an astute body of professionals and thought leaders.

GFOA-WMA is dedicated to four core professional values:

Education and Enrichment
Sharing Information and Resources
Integrity, Accountability and Innovation
Professional Fellowship

Letter from the President - May 2025

May 15, 2025

Dear GFOA WMA Community, It is with great pride and gratitude that I welcome you to the newly redesigned GFOA WMA website — a platform we hope you’ll find both informative and inspiring. Our goal is for this site to serve not only as a source of timely updates and valuable resources, but also as a reflection of our continued commitment to excellence in public finance. As with any thriving organization, change is both inevitable and essential to growth. This year, we mark a significant transition in our leadership. After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Wilma Matthias is stepping down as our long-serving Treasurer. We are incredibly grateful for her steady hand and deep commitment to the mission of GFOA WMA. We are pleased to welcome Anieka Chisolm, Financial Manager within the DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), who brings valuable expertise and a fresh perspective to the role. We also extend heartfelt thanks to Paul Lundquist, who has served faithfully as our Board Secretary for the past six years. Paul has been a vital part of our leadership team, and we are excited to welcome Nicole Dean, Budget Officer within the DC OCFO, as she steps into this important position. We are also proud to expand our scholarship offerings, which now include opportunities for high school students, graduate students, and career government professionals seeking to advance their education and impact. These scholarships reflect our belief in nurturing talent at every stage of the public finance journey. As we look ahead, we are filled with optimism. We’re hopeful that the last remnants of the pandemic are behind us and are focused on the strategic growth of our organization. Notably, Washington, D.C. will host the national GFOA Annual Conference in June 2025 — a powerful opportunity to showcase the strength, innovation, and talent within our region. On a personal note, I am honored to now serve on the GFOA National Executive Board, a role that allows me to represent our region on a national stage and continue advocating for best practices and excellence across the broader public finance community. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary network. Your engagement and leadership continue to inspire. In Partnership, Rhonda R. Cheatham President, GFOA WMA

— LEADERSHIP —

GFOA-WMA Executive Board