Outgoing GFOA president Tanya Garost looks back

A change in leadership at the Government Finance Officers Association comes on the heels of an all-time record membership level. 

“We have reached a record 26,000 members, with more to come as we continue to roll out our new membership model,” said Tanya Garost, City Manager, City of Martensville, Saskatchewan and the GFOA’s outgoing president.  

“We have created a more inclusive model for organizations and their employees who support finance, we are investing in the future of public finance by getting resources and training to those who need it, and we are simplifying the process for joining GFOA.”

Garost cites the new membership model as a worthy achievement during her time of service which will come to an end July 1 as the torch gets passed at the GFOA annual business meeting. 

Garost began her career in accounting and has spent over twenty years working in various public finance roles including Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the District of Lake Country, GM of Finance and Corporate Services for the City of West Kelowna, and Director of Finance for the Thompson Nicola Regional District and Revenue Manager for the City of Kamloops. 

Her current position in Martensville sees her leading over 60 employees while working closely with the City Council. 

Garost is the 10th Canadian, and the first Canadian woman, to lead the GFOA since its founding in 1906. 

She has been recognized with the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting by GFOA as well the Outstanding Contribution Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of British Columbia.

Garost grew up in the 100 Mile House municipal district in the South Cariboo region of British Columbia. The district dates to the gold rush days of the 1860s. She began her public finance career in accounting and credits an early fascination with how community assets like parks and swimming pools are developed as a spark.  

“All of our presidents have come into their roles with different perspectives based on their backgrounds,” said Garost. 

“As a Canadian, I hope I have moved the dial on some of the issues important to me, including the importance of asset management and the role of finance professionals as catalysts for bringing different groups together to solve the infrastructure challenges we face as a nation.” 

During her tenure the American Society of Civil Engineers rolled out the latest version of the ASCE Infrastructure Report Card with the highest overall grade ever for the U.S. 

“This is one of the areas of utmost importance to me!” said Garost. 

“This is proof that the work our governments are doing to tackle infrastructure deficits is working. I see a continued focus on infrastructure investment to ensure the continuity of our assets and sustainable service delivery for generations to come.” 

The change in U.S. administrations is providing ongoing challenges for public finance pros trying to fund future infrastructure spending and navigate the increasingly complex relationships between the federal, state, and local governments.

“I know our members are facing uncertainty in policy at the state, provincial, and federal levels,” said Garost. “There are changes to grants and revenue sources that have funded services our communities rely on, and we are all still struggling to fill vacancies in our workforces.” 

The Trump administration’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives combined with a reduced role of environmental, social and governance efforts are also contributing to a changing public finance landscape. 

“Over the past number of years, collectively we have made improvements to address disparities within our communities. GFOA has promoted work on equity in budgeting and an emphasis on ethics and values in decision-making—all with a focus on transparency,” said Garost.  

“I am hopeful that these strategies are now integral parts of how many communities across the U.S. and Canada do business, even if there is a shift in emphasis.” 

During her tenure, Garost traveled to Australia where she talked about asset management, a major area of interest in Canada and how the definition of effective public finance has evolved. 

“We believe that building the best finance professionals for our communities means that they have a really wide view of the entire organization and the challenges that come with it,” she said. 

“Communication has become absolutely key. I think that is probably one of the top skills that we are sending out to our finance folks these days. Not just with their staff, but to the community, their elected officials in terms that they can understand and relate to. This isn’t about just a whole bunch of numbers on a graph.” 

Lunda Asmani CPFO and Chief Financial Officer for Norwalk Public Schools in Norwalk, Connecticut will be taking the reins from Garost, who offers some parting advice.  

“Your year will pass very quickly,” she said. “Seize opportunities to meet people, hear their stories from across Canada, the U.S., and around the world, and share with them the messages from GFOA on best practices, guidance, learning, help, and support. You are our ambassador!” 

A certain amount of free time will appear as Garost steps down as she already has some projects lined up for completion. 

“I bought a new house in the summer of 2024 and I am looking forward to spending some time unpacking the rest of my boxes and gardening and getting ready for my daughter’s wedding at the end of September,” she said.