Bertha Ann Young
As an employee of the city of Shawnee for 51 years, Bertha Ann Young achieved an unprecedented career of integrity, leadership, professional development, and support for the appointed and elected officers and employees involved in municipal government. She began employment with the city as a cashier in the water department at age 20 in August 1948 and retired as the City Treasurer/Finance Director in August 1999, after having advanced through the positions of Deputy City Clerk, City Clerk, and City Treasurer.
During that time she earned virtually all of the professional certifications available for clerks and treasurers. In addition, she was actively involved in several professional associations and served at different times as president of:
the Oklahoma Municipal Treasurers Association,
the Governmental Finance Officers Association of Oklahoma and
the Oklahoma Municipal Clerks, Treasurers & Finance Officials.
Bertha Ann was elected as a Trustee to the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund in 1978 and continues to serve as the Fund Secretary, a post she first assumed in 1980. Since the city of Shawnee was one of the founding members of OMRF in 1966, she has always had a special interest in its development. OMRF assets grew from less than 20 million dollars to over 400 million dollars during her tenure. At OMRF she is credited with leading numerous efforts for plan enhancements, especially those involving survivor benefits.
Through long tenure as a board member for the Oklahoma Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Institutes with the Oklahoma State University College of Business Administration, she became a champion of professional development for these positions. She also became a mentor and role model to thousands of officials across the state. Although officially retired, she continues to serve as Vice-Chair of the Shawnee Urban Renewal Authority and as Treasurer of the Shawnee Sister Cities Council, a position she has held for the past 15 years.
The career of Bertha Ann Young -from water department cashier to this Hall of Fame -should be an inspiration for all young, inexperienced municipal employees. And perhaps the greatest tribute to her would be for those here to share her story with all-new entry-level employees to inspire and motivate them to the opportunities before them.