I started my career after college wanting to make a difference in life. Although I had several opportunities to work for large and small accounting and tax firms, I wanted more than just accounting. I wanted to help people along the way. I dedicated eight years of service to non-for-profit organizations, first with the Salvation Army and then with a full service homeless shelter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During those years, I earned my Certified Public Accounting (CPA) License as well as a certificate in human resources through a management training firm.
I received an opportunity to change employment with an accounting position at Walworth County, Wisconsin where I began my career in government. Although this was not directly client-service related, I continued to serve the public in new ways. Within a short time, I was promoted to County Controller, which gave me the experience and knowledge of where tax-payer money goes and how to make government more efficient and transparent.
In April of 2007, I ventured out to Napa, California to join the County as the Assistant Auditor-Controller. In January, 2009, I was unanimously appointed by the Napa County Board of Supervisors to fill the remaining term due to the retirement of the previous Auditor-Controller. In 2010, I won my first four-year election.
This is just the beginning. I enjoy my job with all its complexities, challenges and opportunities. I especially enjoy assisting tax payers to help them understand County finances. My two passions of accounting and helping people make me the best person for this position and I am proud of how I have served, and will continue to serve, the County of Napa.
In addition to my public service, the Napa Community has become my family. As a graduate of Leadership Napa Valley (Class 22), I have made life-long friends and cherish all that Napa has to offer. I am a member of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Napa, a supporter and member of the Napa County Land Trust, and I often volunteer for many local non-for-profit fund raisers.
I appreciate your continued support and confidence in my abilities to serve the citizens of Napa County as a steward of public funds. I stand for accountability, integrity and transparency and look forward to serving as the Napa County Auditor-Controller for many years to come.