By: John Cadiz, Director of Human Resources

2021 brought a fair share of transition within our finance team, as we filled the Director of Finance and Senior Accountant positions. Thanks to the steady hands of our payroll specialist and bookkeeper, Diane Simpson, and accounting clerk, Tina O’Brien, everything remained on track with our daily fiscal operations. These two are very deserving of our Staff Spotlight for their perseverance, dedication, and hard work. 

This year, Diane achieved a long-term goal to reduce an inefficient process in our payroll system. This project required effective communication across all levels of our agency and resulted in a more streamlined approach that improved the department’s operations. Diane was a key player as we adapted our payroll and bookkeeping procedures to meet the challenges of the Coronavirus. From tracking and reporting emergency paid leave to the proper distribution of emergency funds, Diane’s expertise and willingness to lend a helping hand keeps things working soundly.  

In her free time, Diane enjoys attending concerts and is a fan of the Stewarts’ ice cream offerings. 

Tina manages the agency checkbook, keeping our bills paid on time, our reimbursements handled promptly, our income flowing, and all those particular finance codes in proper order. Managing these finite details is a huge lift that keeps our operation running smoothly, and thanks to Tina, it is handled with the utmost care. She is always upbeat and meets everyone with her welcoming smile. 

Tina spends time with her granddaughter, tends to her chickens, goes fishing, hikes, and enjoys the outdoors in her free time.