Episode 141: Telling Government’s Story Right: A Conversation with AGA’s Jon Stehle

This week on The GovNavigators Show, Robert and Adam sit down with Jon Stehle, Director of Intergovernmental Partnerships at the Association of Government Accountants (AGA), for a discussion on the intersection of federal, state, and local government.

A former four-term Fairfax City Council member, Jon reflects on lessons learned from local office; why strategic planning matters, how regional collaboration actually works, and why many of the services people rely on are funded far beyond their own city hall. He explains how AGA helps connect practitioners across jurisdictions, from sharing best practices through citizen-centric reporting to building the next generation of government financial managers. Jon also digs into timely issues like improper payments and fraud, the importance of clear definitions and accountability, and what state and local leaders are feeling as policies and funding priorities shift in Washington.

Can't get enough of Jon and AGA? Keep an eye out for their upcoming events, including AGA's National Leadership Training and the return of its Professional Development Training conference to Washington, DC.

Show Notes:

• House Oversight Federal Fraud Hearing

• AGA's CGFM Certification

• AGA Professional Development Training 2026

What's on the GovNavigators Radar:

Jan 21: Scoop News Group's SNG Live: Government Efficiency 

Jan 27: ACT-IAC’s Acquisition and Innovation Forum

Feb 5: Adobe’s Government Forum

Feb 18-19: AGA’s NLT

Feb 24: State of the Union Address