Candidate for
Treasurer-Tax Collector; County of Orange

I am Shari Freidenrich, the Elected Treasurer of the County of Orange.

I was elected as your Orange County Treasurer in November 2010 with almost 55% of the total votes. Prior to being elected as the Orange County Treasurer, I was elected as Huntington Beach Treasurer in November 1996 (following my appointment in May 1996), and I was 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 County Treasurer include directing the County's $6 Billion dollar investment portfolio, reviewing and updating the investment policy, managing cash and banking relationships, collecting property taxes on behalf of the 200+ local agencies in Orange County, depositing all public funds, developing payment options for various services, and escheatment of public funds. In addition, I am a member on the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS). Prior to my election as the City Treasurer in Huntington Beach, 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. 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 Past President of the Association of Public Treasurers of the US and Canada (APT). Under my leadership, the County'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.