News Story

Rafiu Ighile, Director of Finance for Howard County, Maryland, has spearheaded a new initiative to support and encourage his team to become Certified Public Finance Officers (CPFO). Recognizing the importance of professional development, Ighile’s leadership has made obtaining the CPFO designation more accessible and equitable for employees, paving the way for a stronger and more knowledgeable workforce.

The idea for this program began after Ighile realized that a majority of his team had expressed interest in pursuing a certification program. To meet this demand, he convened a group to discuss how to create a fair and supportive system. The result: a cost-sharing approach where the county covers two-thirds of the program’s expenses, while employees contribute one-third, reimbursed upon program completion. This model ensures affordability while motivating participants to see the program through to the end.

“We wanted to make it as easy as possible for our team to pursue the CPFO certification,” Ighile said. “This program benefits not only the individual employees but also Howard County as a whole. The certification covers everything from budgeting to risk management—all critical areas with financial implications for our work.”

The program launched in early 2024 with the support of the County Administrator, who approved the initiative, recognizing its potential to build a more well-rounded and capable workforce. Already, two employees have started the certification program, with 10 more expressing interest. By 2025, the county anticipates four additional employees joining the initiative.