Talbot County Finance Department Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

10/16/2026

Category: Finance

The Talbot County Finance Department has once again earned the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, representing a significant accomplishment by a government and its management team.

The award recognizes the County's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The report was evaluated by an impartial panel and determined to meet the program's high standards, including its commitment to full disclosure and clearly communicating the County's financial position to residents and other stakeholders.

In addition to the County's recognition, GFOA presented individual Awards of Financial Reporting Achievement to Martha Darling Sparks, Talbot County Finance Director, and Kaitlin Foster-Clark, Assistant Finance Director, recognizing their contributions to the County's financial reporting success. The Talbot County Finance Office also received an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement, acknowledging the collective efforts of the department.

“Not only do we see the excellent audit results, but we also experience the benefits of this work each year during the budget process,” said Talbot County Council Vice President Pete Lesher. “The clarity with which financial information is presented, both to the Council and to the public, has made a meaningful difference. Martha, Kaitlin, and the entire Finance Department deserve tremendous credit for increasing transparency and making the County’s financial information more accessible and understandable.”

“This award would not be possible without the consistent dedication and professionalism of every member of our Finance Office,” said Sparks. “Their commitment to excellence supports not only our residents and businesses, but also the County Council, County Manager’s Office, and departments throughout County government. I am incredibly proud of the work they do every day and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team.”

Sparks joined Talbot County Government in July 2022, followed by Foster-Clark in 2023. Together, they have helped guide the Finance Department’s financial reporting efforts, introducing improvements and refining the process each year.

Talbot County Manager Clay Stamp praised the department's leadership and the strong working relationship between Sparks and Foster-Clark.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Martha and Kaitlin for everything they do to keep our fiscal house in order,” said Stamp. “Martha brings a wealth of experience and leadership that was exactly what the County needed when she joined us four years ago, and we continue to reap the benefits today. She has also been an excellent mentor to Kaitlin, and together they have built a strong partnership. Two words come to mind when I think of their work: rigor and fiscal responsibility.”

The recognition highlights the Finance Department's collaborative efforts and continued commitment to accurate, transparent financial reporting that meets the highest standards of governmental accounting.

Talbot County's commitment to transparency and accountability is further demonstrated through its publicly available financial reports, with annual reports dating back to 2009 accessible online at www.talbotcountymd.gov/financialreports.

The Government Finance Officers Association represents more than 25,000 public finance professionals throughout the United States and Canada, advancing excellence in government finance through best practices, professional development, and research.

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