North Bend Finance Director Elena Montgomery retired after twenty years of service on September 1.

Fellow employees said Montgomery has been a team builder and leader who has made her department a great place to work, embracing a culture of cooperation.

“Elena has greatly contributed to the success of the finance department and the city, skillfully and gracefully guiding us through many a budget process and surrounding issues,” said North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing. “During the decade-long moratorium, the city survived because of her willingness to think outside the municipal finance box.”

“Elena worked her way through the ranks providing a stabilizing force in politics and finance over two decades,” said City Administrator Duncan Wilson.

Citizens and staff attended Montgomery’s final council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 17, at the Mount Si Senior Center, in recognition of her service.

Friends and associates with city said they wish her many years of happiness.