Gail English, City or Orange finance director, retires

Published 4:24 am Saturday, May 28, 2016

Special to The Leader

After 31 years of working for the City of Orange, Finance Director Gail English, has announced her retirement effective May 31, 2016.

English began working with the City of Orange as an Accounting Assistant on May 20, 1985. On January 2, 1987, she became the City Treasurer. That same year she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lamar University where she received her Associate of Applied Science in Financial Accounting. On October 5, 1989, English was promoted to the Chief Financial Officer/ Director of Finance. In 1996, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lamar University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Accounting.

In her 31 years with the City of Orange, she has played a key role in many things throughout the City. She has managed the Finance Department, Municipal Court, Customer Service, and the Personnel Department. Under her management, the City has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the past 24 years

English has been involved in 18 bond issues and refunding, 13 with the City of Orange and three with the Economic Development Corporation. She has overseen 25 budgets for the City.

English also played a major role in implementing a new Municipal Finance Software System in 2010.

“I have enjoyed working for the City for the past 31 years,” English said. “The employees have become more of a family rather than coworkers.”

When she retires, she plans on traveling with her husband and pursuing hobbies she has not had time for, such as painting, fishing, and hunting.