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GGFOA RETIREMENT RECOGNITION & MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - JUDY SMITH

GGFOA is proud to recognize Judy Smith, Finance Director of the Jackson County Water and Sewerage Authority, as she celebrates more than 20 years of dedicated service in public finance. A recipient of the 2025 GFOA Award for Outstanding Public Service and a longtime GGFOA member, Judy has made a lasting impact through her commitment to financial excellence, professional development, and service to the government finance community. We are honored to celebrate her remarkable career and wish her all the best in retirement.

1.     What first inspired you to pursue a career in government finance?

I love accounting and was excited for the opportunity to use my knowledge and skills to be the best possible steward of the public's resources. When I joined the JCWSA family, I knew very little about the water and sewer industry, but I've learned an incredible amount through osmosis...pardon the pun.

2.     Looking back on your career, what accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am proud to leave the Authority in a stronger financial position and with significantly improved internal controls than when I arrived. Jackson County has grown exponentially over the last 20 years and I have seen a boom in development that I didn’t foresee. I knew I would see growth with the metro Atlanta population moving southward on the I-85 corridor but never expected what we have experienced in the last few years. 

I am especially proud that we have built the financial reserves needed to support our growing customer base and an ambitious capital improvement program while maintaining long-term financial stability. One of my proudest accomplishments is helping JCWSA earn stand-alone credit ratings from Moody's and S&P, allowing us to issue revenue-backed debt based solely on the strength of our utility system. It took fifteen years to get there—but we did it.

3.     What changes have you seen in the government finance profession over the years?

I have seen such advancement in the accounting field in my time. I have watched government finance become increasingly sophisticated, professional, and specialized. That progress reflects the dedication of finance professionals who understand the importance of transparency, accountability, and sound financial reporting.

4.     What advice would you offer to early-career professionals entering the field today?

Stay strong in your convictions and ethics. Never compromise your integrity. Our reputation is built on our standards and integrity. Make sure that you value yourself and require others to do so. What you do matters…never forget that.

5.     How has GGFOA contributed to your professional journey?

The learning opportunities are great, but the networking and relationships that I have built over the years are so much more valuable. Having the ability to reach out to my peers for advice, encouragement and friendship is the most valuable asset a government accountant can have. 

6.     Is there a mentor, colleague, or experience that had a particularly meaningful impact on your career?

Several!

Duane Schlereth, my first auditor, had a tremendous impact on my life and career. He ignited my passion to become the best accountant I could be. I learned so much from him and will be ever grateful for his mentorship.

Beth Grimes. Though she is no longer in the government accounting field and has gone on to be amazing in the private sector, she taught me so much about preparing for a good audit and keeping my focus on what is important.

John Hulsey. When I met John, he was the Finance Director for Jackson County government. His encouragement and friendship meant so much to me. I value him greatly!

And finally, my dear friend and colleague, Maggie Adams. I met Maggie five years before she came to work as the Asst. Finance Director at JCWSA. She is an extremely talented and capable accountant, and I know I leave the Authority in exceptionally capable hands with Maggie, and I have complete confidence that she will continue building on everything we've accomplished.

7.     What is one lesson from your career that you hope others will carry forward?

Don't sweat the small stuff. Make time for family and friends. Work-life balance matters more than you realize.

8.     What are you most looking forward to in retirement?

Spending time with my family, especially my two grandsons. More than anything, I'm looking forward to never having to miss another important moment.

9.  Is there anything else you would like the GGFOA community to know about your professional journey or retirement plans?

As I look back over my career, I hope my legacy is measured less by the budgets I balanced or the reports I prepared and more by the organization I leave behind. Over the past two decades, we've built a financially resilient utility with strong internal controls, healthy reserves, nationally recognized financial reporting, and the ability to stand on its own in the capital markets through strong credit ratings. None of that happened overnight—it was the result of years of hard work by a dedicated team committed to serving the citizens of Jackson County.

Government finance is often behind the scenes, but the work matters. Sound financial stewardship creates opportunities for communities to grow, protects public trust, and ensures essential services are there when people need them. I am grateful to have played a small part in that mission, and I leave knowing the Authority is well positioned for the future.

Before joining the Authority, I worked in real estate development and sales. I'm excited to return to that profession because I still have plenty of fire in my belly and gas in my tank. I'm far from done! And if you ever need a REALTOR®, give me a call—I would be honored to help.