The South Dakota Governmental Finance Officers’ Association, an affiliate of the South Dakota Municipal League, has selected Fort Pierre City Finance Officer Roxanne Heezen as its Finance Officer of the Year.
Mayor Gloria Hanson shared some details with the city council during this week’s meeting (June 17, 2024).
The Municipal League’s Finance School was held June 12-14, 2024.
Written version:
Roxanne Heezen, Finance Officer for the City of Fort Pierre, was named Finance Officer of the Year last week (June 12-14, 2024) by the South Dakota Governmental Finance Officers’ Association.
The award is given each year to a member of the association who has made significant contributions to their municipality as a finance officer and their community as a citizen.
Heezen was recognized for her diverse skillset, extensive experience, and willingness to help wherever needed. As the finance officer for the past 15 years, she has financially led Fort Pierre through a 100-year flood event, a nationwide Covid-19 pandemic, and the restructuring of the city maintenance department.
In addition to her roles as finance officer, Heezen handles the Human Resource Department, the Informational Technology Department, and, according to Fort Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson, is “quick to put on any other ‘hats’ that are handed to her with a smile and compassion.”
“Roxanne’s forward thinking has tremendously benefited Fort Pierre in more ways than just financially,” said Hanson. “Roxanne offers many years of supervisory/management expertise to Fort Pierre, making sure employees have the tools needed to complete their jobs efficiently. She is a conscientious team
player and isn’t afraid to be the “hands-on” person – whether it’s filling sandbags or repeatedly crunching the numbers for the most efficient use of the city budget.”
Hansen added that Heezen has worked tirelessly to provide the means to improve infrastructure within Fort Pierre, making sure that the utility rates are affordable for the customer and yet sufficient to obtain outside funding sources for utility improvements, and that she continues to work towards a long-term
water source for the City of Fort Pierre.
Heezen was also commended for her community involvement. She can be found at most Fort Pierre events and fundraisers, including long-standing events such as the Community Christmas Tree Lighting/Soup Supper, Trader Days/Turkey Races, and the Community Picnic, as well as helping organize benefit events for community members in need. Heezen was involved in securing the SD State Historical Society’s Deadwood Fund grant for historic preservation to help with renovations to the Verendrye Museum, which is integral part of Fort Pierre’s history.
Heezen has also been involved in the Lutheran Memorial Church Council, supported many years of children’s school and extended activities, and is an active member of the South Dakota Governmental Finance Officer Association (SDGFOA). She has served on the SDGFOA Board of Directors since 2019,
serving as president in 2023 and currently as past president.
“Roxanne has an outstanding rapport with her co-workers, the various City committees, and contractors that she works with on a daily basis,” said Hanson. “She interacts well with the residents and businesses of Fort Pierre, keeping an open-door policy. We very proud of her accomplishments and outstanding service to our community.”
The award was presented during the association’s annual Finance Officers’ School, held in Spearfish.
To learn more about the South Dakota Governmental Finance Officers’ Association, which is an affiliate of the South Dakota Municipal League, visit www.sdmunicipalleague.org/financeofficers.
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