MARYSVILLE — Marysville resident and certified public accountant Jeri Wilkes, chief financial officer of United Way of Snohomish County, was recently named Finance Officer of the Year by United Way Worldwide at a national conference in Atlanta.

“This award is a testament to Jeri’s hard work and longstanding commitment to United Way’s financial accountability and transparency,” said Dr. Dennis G. Smith, president and CEO of United Way of Snohomish County. “It reflects her overall proven leadership skills, which she provides regularly in our organization, and across the entire United Way system.”

The United Way Finance Officer of the Year Award is presented to a financial officer in the United Way system who exhibits outstanding leadership in financial management, and is seen as a role model inside and outside of their organization. There are nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 38 countries and territories.

“I am thrilled to win this award,” said Wilkes. “More than just a personal accomplishment, it also reflects United Way’s promise of excellence in nonprofit financial management.”

In addition to her commitment to United Way’s sound fiscal policies, Wilkes was nominated for this award because of her leadership in conducting lean training for nonprofits throughout Snohomish County. She also oversaw the creation of a business continuity plan for United Way of Snohomish County, and led the refinancing of United Way’s building loan, saving donors $88,000 per year. During her tenure, all audits have come back with a clean opinion. She is also a past chair of United Way Worldwide’s Financial Issues Committee.

Wilkes has been with United Way of Snohomish County for more than 14 years, beginning as a general ledger accountant and working her way up to CFO.