Donya Gregson, Snoqualmie’s new interim finance officer, knows that she has big shoes to fill. Harry Oestreich, the current finance officer who is temporarily out on medical leave, is highly respected for keeping Snoqualmie in sound financial shape.

“It’s a huge responsibility,” Gregson said of her new position.

She has spent the previous year working as a financial analyst for the city. Working closely with Oestreich, Gregson has learned about the budget process, communicating with city officials, and the city’s financial history. Her biggest challenge has been working with the mayor and city council to finish next year’s budget. Given the state of the nation’s economy, it is especially important produce a balanced, fiscally responsible budget.

With the economy in such a state of flux, Gregson knows that the city and its citizens will be dealing with a lot of uncertainty. She gives Oestreich a lot of credit for putting in place a conservative approach that has kept the city financially strong.

Oestreich will be retiring early next year and passing the purse strings over to Gregson permanently.