2009 Richard J. Makowski Award for the Outstanding County Auditor of the Year

GREENE COUNTY AUDITOR RECEIVES AUDITOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Greene County Auditor was honored by County Auditors as the 2009 recipient of the “Richard J. Makowski Award for the Outstanding County Auditor of the Year”.  The award was presented by Brown County Auditor Doug Green, outgoing president of the County Auditors’ Association of Ohio (CAAO), at their annual Winter Conference on November 18, 2009.  The award was started in 1996 to honor the late Richard J. Makowski, County Auditor of Geauga County and CAAO President in 1995. 

Mr. Brown noted that Auditor Makowski exemplified what it took to become an ‘exceptional’ County Auditor.  A hard worker who never gave up on a worthy cause, he could always find a way to bring people together to accomplish the impossible.  He always brought out the best in his staff and the people he worked with in the CAAO.  Luwanna Delaney has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate those same types of qualities.   Mr. Brown continued, “Luwanna has served as an “unofficial mentor” to the large number of County Auditors who recently assumed office.  She has provided guidance and thoughtful responses to even the most challenging questions regarding not only the duties and responsibilities of County Auditors but also in the intricacies of the Ohio Revised Code”.    

“Luwanna has worked tirelessly for the CAAO, fellow County Auditors and her constituents.  Probably the most important thing to convey about her is her love for her job and how seriously she takes it.  When Luwanna defines herself, part of that definition includes, “I am the Greene County Auditor”.  By personalizing the job and making it a part of who she is, she never forgets her oath of office and the people she serves.”      

Ms. Delaney has worked in the Greene County Auditor’s Office for 46 years, and was elected as Greene County Auditor in 1990.  Under her leadership Greene County has received an award for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from the Government Finance Officers Association every year since 1986.    

The CAAO includes all 88 County Auditors.  Now in its 142^nd, the Association was established to promote and protect the interests of the taxpayers of Ohio and to improve the administration of county government.