W. Bartley Hildreth

W. Bartley Hildreth is a distinguished Professor at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University, where he has been a faculty member since 2009 and served as dean in 2010. He previously held academic and leadership roles at other universities for 30 years and was Regents Distinguished Professor and director of the Kansas Public Finance Center from 1994 to 2009.

His research centers on public finance, particularly municipal securities, public budgeting, and financial management. He has made significant contributions through his role as editor-in-chief of the Municipal Finance Journal since 1989 and through influential policy research and training initiatives with organizations such as The Volcker Alliance and the CDC.

Hildreth's scholarly work spans public budgeting, state and local government debt, taxation, and infrastructure financing. His recent publications and editorial leadership highlight consistent engagement with core issues in public financial management, municipal capital markets, and policy reform, with global applications in Africa and China.

• Aaron B. Wildavsky Award (2008)
• Fellow, National Academy of Public Administration (2012)
• Industry Contribution Award, National Federation of Municipal Analysts (2017)
• Jesse Burkhead Award for Best Article in Public Budgeting & Finance (2012, 2017)

Dr. Hildreth has advised numerous research teams, led national policy initiatives, and served on high-level boards including the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting. He also serves as faculty advisor for the Municipal Securities Laboratory, mentoring students in applied financial analysis. His work has been supported by grants and collaborations with federal agencies, international organizations, and professional associations.

He has led major training programs for public health professionals and faculty and has contributed to capacity-building in public financial management across domestic and international contexts.