The board unanimously voted to appoint Cathy Saderlund, who began as an account clerk with the county 30 years ago and worked her way up through the ranks.
Saderlund was the only applicant to finish the remaining three years of Pam Cochrane's term.
Cochrane, reelected last November, announced in June that she would retire after 15 years in office. Her retirement date is Oct. 15, which is the date the board voted to make Saderlund's appointment effective.
Saderlund will serve as the county's chief financial officer, a role in which county departments' and special districts' finances – including accounting and auditing – will be under her supervision.
Although the board usually holds job interviews in closed session, they noted that Saderlund's was being held in open session because she was seeking an appointment to a normally elected position.
Over about a half hour, Saderlund fielded questions from the board, sharing her experience, knowledge of accounting systems and her vision of the clerk/auditor-controller's role in county government.
While working and balancing family and community commitments, Saderlund went back to school, earning an associate's degree at Mendocino College before transferring to Franklin University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in accounting.
Despite the challenges of all of those responsibilities, “It's been very rewarding,” said Saderlund.
In response to questions, Saderlund explained that the clerk/auditor-controller needs to make sure county departments are following financial regulations, but also must provide financial services to those departments.
“We need to keep everybody in compliance,” she said.
Saderlund currently oversees the department's employees, and has dealt with reviews and discipline, in addition to working in the accounting system.
When Supervisor Anthony Farrington asked her about her proudest accomplishment over the past five years, she said it was assembling the finest team the department has had.
Asked about how she would lead the department, Saderlund replied, “I absolutely believe it's hands on in addition to the oversight.”
Goals for her first six months will be to talk to customers, find out what the clerk/auditor-controller's office is doing well and where it can improve. She also wants to review the department's reconciliation process and move forward with payroll time reporting.
Supervisor Rob Brown said Saderlund is qualified, open to positive change and willing to work long hours. He moved to appoint her.
“It takes a lot of guts to go through a public interview,” said Supervisor Denise Rushing.
Rushing added that it also takes guts to run for office, and in Saderlund they were getting “the complete package,” someone who knows the system and wants the job.
Before the 5-0 vote was taken, Rushing said the clerk/auditor-controller's office will be in good hands with Saderlund in charge.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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