The Fiscal Forum Newsletter is your monthly roundup of FGFOA news, events, and resources. Published on the first Monday of each month at 2:00 PM, the newsletter offers regular updates and highlights that help you stay connected to what’s happening across the organization.
Click Image Below to Hear a Message from Your FGFOA President
Spotlight on Leadership
Sharon Almeida
FGFOA Board Director
Sharon Almeida, Finance Director for the Village of Royal Palm Beach, brings over 13 years of experience in government finance and leads a team of seven accounting professionals. She earned her Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) designation in 2018 and has been an active FGFOA member for more than a decade, serving on committees and now as a member of the Board of Directors.
Call for Singers!
The Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA) is seeking a member to perform the National Anthem during the Opening General Session of the 2026 Annual Conference, taking place June 13–17, 2026, at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando.
This performance is a special opportunity to represent the Association and set an inspiring tone as we open our signature annual event.
Submission Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026
Interested members are invited to submit a brief vocal audition video (no more than 60 seconds) here.
We look forward to showcasing the talent and professionalism of our FGFOA membership at this year’s conference.
FGFOA Beginner Boot Camp
The next FGFOA Beginner Boot Camp will be held at:
Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville
Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27, 2026
Registration closes Friday, January 16th, at 10:00 a.m.
This program is exclusive to FGFOA members. Not a member yet?
Complete your membership application today at FGFOA.org and join us!
There is no charge to register for the Boot Camp Lottery
If You Receive a Seat in the Boot Camp Class — Registration fee: $550.00
Participant Selection
Participants will be chosen through a lottery system. Thirty individuals will be randomly selected from all submitted registrations, ensuring an equal opportunity for everyone.
Notification & Waitlist
If you are not selected, your name will be placed on a waiting list. You will receive notification confirming whether you have secured a seat in the Boot Camp or have been waitlisted.
Seat Policy
Boot Camp seats are non-transferable. If you decline an offered spot, it will be reassigned to the next person on the waiting list.
REGISTER HERE for the Boot Camp Lottery
Member Spotlight Nominations
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? A mentor, colleague, or chapter leader who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for the FGFOA Member Spotlight! It only takes a few minutes, and your nomination could help highlight the inspiring work of a fellow member.
CLICK HERE to submit a nomination.
Committee Corner
Save the Date!!
2026 Annual Conference
June 13-17, 2026
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
To help you get familiar with what’s coming, the Conference Committee will highlight one track each month leading up to the Annual Conference. This month’s spotlight is on the Budget Track.
Take control of your money, master the economy, and plan for long-term success. Our Budgeting, Economics, and Financial Track is designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s financial landscape.
Here’s a sneak peak of the topics:
- Bridge the Gap: A Budget Bootcamp for Financial Professionals
- Economic Update
- Financial Policies: The Nuts and Bolts
- From Budgets to Breakthroughs: Driving Results Through Collaborations
- And much more…….
FGFOA Mentoring Program
GET READY TO IGNITE YOUR NEW YEAR!!
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional development or help someone else do the same?
Join Us for the Second Session of our FGFOA Ignite Series!
Discover the Power of Mentoring & Emotional Intelligence
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Featuring: FGFOA President Nicole Gasparri
**Please NOTE: If you are already a participant in the FGFOA Mentoring Program, you do not need to RSVP**
Virtual Learning Opportunities
Upcoming Webinars
Stay current and connected with FGFOA’s lineup of professional development webinars! Each session is designed to provide practical insights, timely updates, and tools you can apply directly in your daily work. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your technical knowledge or expand your leadership skills, there’s a webinar for you.
January 15, 2026 – ARPA Fund Wrap-Up
February 19, 2026 – The Expanding Complexity of Employee Compensation
March 19, 2026 – RPA/Machine Learning
Visit the FGFOA Webinar page and click “Register Now” or log in to your member portal and go to the “Events” tab.
Don’t miss these valuable learning opportunities!
Webinar Registration
Looking for Additional Ethics CPE Opportunities?
The Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) is offering “FICPA Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of the Florida CPAs,” created with the DBPR and approved by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Sessions are available online, in-person, and on-site (live or virtually).
Learn More & Register
Last Call for FGFOA Leadership 2026 Applications!!!
Deadline to apply is January 9, 2026
Applications for FGFOA Leadership 2026 are now open. This immersive, five-day program is designed to elevate your leadership skills, expand your professional network, and prepare you to lead in Florida’s government finance community.
Program Dates: April 13–17, 2026
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando
Member Cost: $1,495 (subsidized from $3,000)
Application Deadline: January 9, 2026
FGFOA Leadership Program
Carlisha Jenkins
Click Image Below to Watch Carlisha's Leadership Testimonial
Kristin Thompson
Click Image Below to Watch Kristin's Leadership Testimonial
Local Chapter News
Join the Space Coast Chapter for a Networking & Training Event!
Mark your calendar for Friday, February 6, 2026, as the Space Coast Chapter hosts a dynamic professional gathering in Viera from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The afternoon will kick off with a Chapter Business Meeting, followed by lunch and four hours of CPE training.
This session will cover key topics including ACFR and PAFR publication, along with important updates on the Yellow Book and Single Audit Requirements.
CLICK HERE for more information
FGFOA’s local chapters are the heartbeat of our organization, offering members valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow within their own communities. These events range from professional development sessions and technical trainings to networking socials and community outreach initiatives.
Attending your local chapter events is a great way to stay engaged, expand your professional network, and share ideas with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities of government finance. Be sure to check your Local Chapter Calendar for upcoming local chapter events and opportunities to engage with your peers.
Monthly Events Preview
Stay up to date with what’s happening across FGFOA! The Upcoming Webinar Schedule can be found on our website.
How do I register for FGFOA Events?
- Log into your FGFOA member portal
- Go all the way to the very top. You’ll see the “event” tab. (Don’t hover over it, just click on it.) That will open up all of the events that are open for registration.
- Click on the hyperlink of the event you want to attend.