K-State student recognized as emerging leader in public finance with national award

Through the MPA program, Erich Von Heuvel is enhancing his skills to become a leader in his field. | Download this photo.

By Emily Boragine

K‑State News and Communications Services

MANHATTAN — As an electric utility financial analyst, Erich Von Heuvel makes sure Lubbock Power & Light will continue to be able to provide electricity to its city. As a Master of Public Administration student at Kansas State University, he is enhancing his skills and becoming a leader in his field so he can continue to help the company keep the lights on in the most financially responsible way.

A Texas Tech University economics graduate from the San Antonio area, he is completing K State's online MPA to deepen his expertise in public finance and management.

"The master of public administration program at K-State has really helped me connect my day-to-day work with the broader principles of public service and financial stewardship," Von Heuvel said. "Courses in budgeting, organizational behavior and public policy have deepened my understanding of how financial decisions affect everything from service delivery to long-term community outcomes. The faculty has been incredibly supportive, encouraging me to think critically and strategically about my role in government.

"As someone currently working in local government, the program has reinforced my interest in staying in the public sector and growing into a leadership position," he said. "My long-term goal is to serve as a CFO or city manager, and my time at K-State is giving me the tools and perspective to get there."

His skills and leadership are already being noticed. Von Heuvel has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association with the $30,000 Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship, a national honor that supports emerging leaders in the field.

He said the scholarship affirms his direction and provides practical development.

"Receiving this scholarship was a major moment of validation; it made me realize that I'm not just working a job, I'm building a career," he said. "It's inspired me to keep learning and growing as I continue through the MPA program. The scholarship included three free trainings with the Government Finance Officers Association, and I'll be utilizing that this August when I attend their Advanced Budget Academy, which should help supplement the skills I have picked up on the job and during my time at K-State."

In his role with the city of Lubbock, Von Heuvel has contributed to fee analysis, rate modeling and long-range planning. Earlier in his career, he led a comprehensive fee review across several city departments to align service charges with costs and policy goals. He now supports capital and operating budgets for the electric utility and contributes to strategic planning — work that connects classroom concepts to community outcomes.

"I know the financial decisions we make directly affect people's lives and the health of the community," he said. "What excites me most is that the work matters. You get to solve real problems, work with real numbers and make decisions that have a direct impact on people's quality of life."

Von Heuvel encourages students to explore widely and stay open to change.

"You don't have to have it all figured out right away," he said. "Try different classes, talk to people in different fields and don't be afraid to pivot."

Flexibility has also mattered at home, and Von Heuvel said being able to take courses online and at his own pace has been wonderful.

"I started the MPA recently after my son was born, and it's been great to be able to take classes without sacrificing any time spent with him and my wife," he said.

"I'm proud to be part of the Wildcat community, and I'm excited to keep representing K-State as I grow in my public service career."

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