Finance Director Carolyn Miller to retire next month

GRF BIDS A FOND FAREWELL

By Ruth Osborn

managing editor

GRF Director of Finance Carolyn Miller will retire Sept. 30 after almost 14 years of service to Leisure World, first as a senior accountant and then, at the helm of the department.

Her top priority has been to institute “best practice” systems, processes and controls to make the sometimes murky world of finance understandable to even the most mathematically challenged.

It’s behind-the-scenes work that can easily go unnoticed when all systems are at peak performance. Under her leadership, annual audits passed with flying colors, budgets for all GRF departments and Mutuals were skillfully managed; accounts were reconciled; efficiencies, such as direct debit for utility bills for the GRF and Mutuals, were instituted.

She has been a clear-eyed guide to ensure every area of expenditure and investment fit into the bigger picture of building a rock solid financial foundation for every LW resident.

“When I took my first accounting class in college, I knew accounting was my passion,” Miller said. “Thirty-six years later, accounting is still my passion.”

She takes her work very seriously. That’s not surprising since she is responsible for the entire financial domain of the Golden Rain Foundation, including treasury and accounting functions, banking policies, receipt and disbursements of funds, all fiscal and accounting matters, reporting procedures and overall financial controls.

The work demands painstaking consideration and application, but, like she said, it’s a passion—not a burden—for her.

When she started as finance director, “people perceived me as being too serious,” she said. “I was learning the position, and it required concentration, but I do have a fun side.”

So she asked her hairdresser to put a blue streak in her hair, and that streak is there to this day.

It’s her signature, memorable when you meet her. It’s a whimsical contrast to the stereotypical image of boring, math nerd accountant, which Miller is definitely not.

Fun as she is, she’s definitely an accountant to the core. In 2011, she passed the CPA exam, the pinnacle credential in her field. Industry experts consider the exam to be one of the most rigorous of all for obtaining professional credentials.

The national pass rate is approximately 1 in 2, so that means 50% fail the test, which covers a vast amount of information. Miller received the certification after two years of preparation.

She came to LW in 2009, ready to make a career move after 14 years working in the financial institution industry.

The GRF’s senior accountant position was just what she was looking for—the perfect size company in the perfect location with the added benefit of serving people.

“Thirteen years later, I am still enjoying my career at the Golden Rain Foundation,” she said, adding that she’s somewhat ambivalent about retiring. But she has been mentally preparing for it for several years.

“It was my intention to retire earlier. However, the change in upper management in December 2021 deferred my decision, as the timing was no longer right,” Miller said. She is referring to the resignation of Randy Ankeny, former GRF executive director.

“Carolyn told me she delayed her retirement due to Mr. Ankeny’s abrupt resignation,” said GRF Director Susan Hopewell, who was presiding over the GRF Board at the time. “She did not want to add further stress and concern to the GRF management team nor to the community. This is just one of many examples of her dedication and commitment to her GRF team members and to LW community members.

“I am forever grateful for her selfless decision to stay on and be part of the interim management team while we searched for a new executive director,” Hopewell continued.

Miller helped with the interview process to fill the LW’s top spot, and she believes the right candidate was selected at the end of an exhaustive six-month search.

“I completely support the GRF Board’s selection of Jessica Sedgwick as our new executive director. She will instill great things in the community. Although I would have enjoyed staying on to be a part of the new beginnings that Jessica is bringing, the timing of my retirement is a perfect transition.”

Miller gave Sedgwick a 90-day notice, so Sedgwick would have time to recruit a successor whom Miller can mentor before she retires.

“I look forward to my retirement but know that there is a downside as well. I will miss the team members and board members I have worked with.”

And colleages, friends and directors will miss her as well.

“It did not surprise me to learn that Carolyn is a marathon runner, as she has long demonstrated that same determination and perseverance supporting our community,” said GRF Director Janet Isom. “As the GRF treasurer last year, I relied on her guidance and wisdom. Carolyn patiently offered knowledgeable answers to my questions and ensured I had the supporting documentation to perform my corporate duties. She has been an incredible asset to GRF, the Mutual boards and the shareholders. She will be greatly missed. May she live long and prosper in retirement.”

Current GRF Treasurer Phil Friedman agrees: “As treasurer, and a Mutual CFO, I have had the opportunity work closely with Carolyn for over two years. She is the absolute definition of a loyal, hardworking, dedicated and, most importantly, an extremely competent individual. She is very much appreciated and will be very much missed!”

Miller also has the respect of her colleagues.

“Carolyn was outstanding at her position,” said GRF Facilities Director Mark Weaver. “We didn’t always see everything eye to eye, but we respected each other’s opinions and always worked things out. I will always remember Carolyn as a good, honest person.”

GRF Human Resources Director LeAnn Dillman added: “Carolyn has been an integral part of GRF and the community. Her expertise and willingness to teach and share information will truly be missed. I have had the pleasure of working with Carolyn, and I’m sure I am not alone in wishing her a very happy and much-deserved retirement. Cheers to her next chapter.”

Miller is looking forward to spending more time with her 3-year-old German Shepherd Savie and getting to eat dinner before 9 p.m. She wants to hike and “do outdoorsy stuff.” She also plans to hang out more with friends, and cook and bake.

This new beginning brings a bittersweet ending: “I will truly miss my second home. Thank you, Leisure World, for entrusting me to safeguard the community’s assets. Thank you, Golden Rain Foundation, for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my career dream,” Miller said. In reaching that dream, she leaves a legacy of goodwill.

Perhaps Hopewell summed it up best: “I feel privileged to have worked with her during my seven years as a GRF director, most especially the last two years as GRF president. I wish her health, happiness and many fun adventures in her well-deserved retirement.”