Wellesley's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Sheryl Strother is retiring after an 18-year career with the Town.
During her tenure, Sheryl successfully managed and grew Town finances, balanced budgets that have increased every year - the Fiscal Year 2024 budget is just under $202 million, implemented critical financial policies, and developed and mentored a talented and respected staff.
She was hired in January 2006 by former Wellesley Executive Director Hans Larsen as the Town's first-ever Finance Director. Throughout the years, Sheryl has worked closely with and advised former Executive Director Blythe Robinson, current Executive Director Meghan Jop, almost every Town board and committee member, and all departments in Wellesley's municipal government.
In remarks at a recent ceremony recognizing Sheryl, Select Board Chair Tom Ulfelder made a point to highlight her leadership and relationship-building skills. "Working with Sheryl, we all quickly learned that by working together we can achieve a better result, a more resilient solution, and a sustainable financial model even in the face of future uncertainties," he said.
"And she has the ability to say NO in a direct but remarkably pleasant way," he added, a remark that drew laughs from the group.
Under Sheryl's management, the Town successfully emerged from the COVID pandemic with a strong balance sheet and record cash reserves, while also building two new elementary schools - the new Hunnewell School and the new Hardy School, and completing an extensive renovation of the historic Wellesley Town Hall.
She attributes much of this success to the many people with whom she's worked, thanking them all for "a memorable and wonderful career."
While she admits she's sad to say farewell, Sheryl is leaving Wellesley in great financial shape. Her future plans include fewer meetings and a lot more time with her family and friends.
Congratulations and thank you Sheryl for so many years of outstanding work. We will miss you!
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| Town officials pictured left to right: Meghan Jop, Ann-Mara Lanza, Sheryl Strother, Tom Ulfelder, Colette Aufranc, Lise Olney. | Pictured left to right: Jack Pilecki, David Soar, Sheryl Strother, Hans Larsen, Steve Mortarelli, Nat Brady. | Finance team pictured left to right: Tiana Moreau, Paul Manganaro, Sheryl Strother, Mona Chan, Maura O'Connor. |