Candidate for
Treasurer-Tax Collector; County of Orange

I am Shari Freidenrich, the Elected Treasurer of the City of Huntington Beach and a candidate for the office of Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

First elected as Huntington Beach Treasurer in November 1996 (following my appointment in May 1996), I have been re-elected by the voters in 2000, 2004 and 2008. I applied for the position at the City after Orange County filed for bankruptcy and I realized how important it was for local governments to have qualified professionals managing public funds. My duties as the City Treasurer include directing the City's multimillion-dollar investment portfolio, reviewing and updating the investment policy, managing cash, disbursements and banking relationships, collecting taxes and fees, depositing all public funds, developing payment options for various services, and escheatment of public funds. In addition, I am a member on the City's Supplemental Pension Board. All of my duties as City Treasurer are similar to those performed by the County Treasurer. Prior to my election, I was the Controller for McDonnell Douglas Travel Company where I was responsible for all financial operations, budgeting and cash flow management. I began my career at the international accounting firm, Deloitte and Touché and was an Audit Manager specializing in financial services, healthcare and real estate.

I am a licensed CPA in California and I also hold several state and national municipal treasury certifications in public finance administration and public funds management. I graduated summa cum laude from Washington State University in 1982 with a Bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. I am a member of a variety of professional organizations including the American Institute of CPAs and the Institute of Internal Auditors. I am a leader in the municipal treasury field having been elected as President of the California Municipal Treasurers Association in 2003 and am currently serving as Treasurer of the Association of Public Treasurers of the US and Canada (APT). Under my leadership, the City's investment policy was certified by APT. I believe that giving back to the community is important and I am a Past President of both the Rotary Club of Huntington Beach and Soroptimist International of Huntington Beach.

I am a resident of Huntington Beach and am married to Clive Freidenrich.

I am the only candidate in this election who has been elected as a public agency treasurer, who has had the executive treasury experience and direct responsibility for investing public funds safely for more than 13 years, who holds key municipal treasury certifications and who combines a successful private industry finance career with a successful public sector career.