Sarah Benatar. Courtesy photo.
COCONINO COUNTY — The 2023 Controller of the Year Awards recently recognized Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar as the winner of Controller of the Year for the Government Category.
Benatar has served as Treasurer of Coconino County since being appointed in 2014, winning reelection in 2016 and 2020, and was the youngest County Treasurer in Arizona. She serves the County as an officer of the Arizona County Treasurer’s Association and as past President of the Arizona Association of Counties (AACo). She is a voice for rural communities, advocating for her constituents by serving on the board and as Treasurer of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), and as president of the National Association of Hispanic County Elected Officials (NAHCO).
“As County Treasurer I work every day to ensure all public monies are invested safely and accounted for accurately,” said Benatar. “This allows our governmental districts to provide essential services now and for future generations. I’m honored to have my service recognized by the Controller Council with this award.”
The Controller of the Year Awards are presented annually by the Controllers Council, a member association and community focused on training and career development, best practice resources and information, peer interaction, and recognition for Accounting and Corporate Finance executives.
Winners were screened, judged, and selected from hundreds of applications based on a combination of 2023 financial performance, work experience, volunteer or philanthropic activities, and educational background. Categories included Small, Medium, Enterprise, Startup and Not-For-Profit organizations, along with Public or Private classifications.
“Once again, Controllers and corporate finance executives proved their importance in 2023, and the Controller of the Year Awards brings much deserved recognition to these hard-working individuals”, states Neil Brown, Controllers Council Executive Director. “The Controllers Council is proud to support the corporate finance industry during these challenging and unprecedented times.”