To the editor,
I am Katlynn Gannon-Mechaelsen and I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself. For those that are unaware, I am running for the office of Greene County treasurer in the November 2018 election.
I was born on March 19, 1993, in Jefferson, Iowa. I grew up alongside my six siblings on a farm just north of Rippey. My parents, Hugh and Denise Gannon, taught me the importance of work ethic and perseverance. While growing up, I was involved in 4H and was a member of the Washington Winners. I showed hogs and cattle along with many projects in Clover Hall while in 4H. I also represented Greene County as the Fair Queen in 2011.
While in school at East Greene, I was a three-sport athlete, band member, president of student council, and a member of the National Honor Society among other activities. Upon graduating with honors in 2011, I attended AIB College of Business in Des Moines, Iowa, on a full academic scholarship. While attending AIB, I played volleyball, worked as a tutor for the school and was a Resident Assistant. I graduated from AIB in 2014 with honors and bachelor degrees in Accounting and Business Administration.
When I was 20 and finishing up final exams for the semester, I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. My parents instilled in me to always finish what you start and I wasn’t going to let the tumor stop me from my dreams. While battling the tumor, I finished both of my degrees and continued to work full time. Some may see this as a disadvantage or distraction but I saw it as a test of my faith and resolution. It taught me what is important in life and that anything is possible with hard work and determination. I have been tumor free for the last three years and feel the experience has given me a deeper appreciation for life.
I have been working as a Controller for an accounting firm in Des Moines for over four years. I have six clients for which I keep their books, overseeing all transactions, managing cash flow, and reporting monthly finances. I have had experience working with lots of different business types such as retail, agriculture, construction, and non-profit among other industries. The exposure to different types of businesses has allowed me to learn how changes in taxes and the economy affect businesses differently. I want to bring this knowledge to Greene County so that I can help our county thrive and grow. Not only do I want to bring my accounting knowledge but my knowledge in technology as well. I have college credits and have four years of experience in multiple computerized accounting systems. Also in preparation for the opportunity to serve Greene County I have started training on the accounting system our county government uses.
I was excited to return home to marry my husband, Marcus, at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Grand Junction last July, the same church where I was baptized. We recently moved home and live on an acreage that we purchased in southern Greene County. We were both sure that Greene County was where we wanted to start our family and knew that God would open that door when the timing was right.
After persevering and working hard I am excited for the opportunity to serve the residents of Greene County. If I am elected to be your next county treasurer, I will work hard and pledge to you that I will be a diligent steward of the county’s resources. I am eager to learn the duties of this important position to do the best job possible to serve the residents of Greene County. I would appreciate your support on November 6 and welcome any questions you may have.
Katlynn Gannon-Mechaelsen, rural Rippey
