In a notable move that resonates through the halls of local governance, Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar has set her sights on a higher office within the National Association of Counties (NACo). Announcing her bid for the position of 2nd Vice President, Benatar climbs another rung in her already impressive political career. If she finds success in her latest endeavor, she will become the first Latina and the first Treasurer to take on this particular mantle within NACo's longstanding history. Across the spectrum of county governance, Benatar's candidacy signals a shift towards reinvigorating the embedded wisdom of local administration. "My campaign is about restoring local power," Benatar stated, according to the Coconino County's official website. "Counties are the backbone of American governance. When counties decide, communities thrive. It’s time to return decision-making to the people who know their communities best."
Acknowledged for her incisive approach to fiscal stewardship and government finance, Benatar has carved out a niche for herself as a reformist with commendable intentions. Beginning her tenure as County Treasurer in 2014, she not only broke records by being the youngest to serve in that position in Arizona's history, but she also reinvented Coconino County's treasury practices, centering them around the principles of transparency, and efficiency – her initiatives won her the 2023 National Government Controller of the Year by the Controllers Council.
Beyond her financial acumen, Benatar is a vocal champion for her constituency, adeptly balancing multiple roles across governmental and non-governmental organizations. She currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, President of the National Association of Hispanic County Elected Officials, and Vice Chair of NACo’s Finance, Pensions and Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Steering Committee. Her campaign, poised to accentuate counties' autonomy, focuses on wide-spanning issues from infrastructure to fiscal sustainability and the promotion of intergovernmental cooperation. "We need leaders who understand the challenges counties face and who have the experience to deliver results," Benatar said, in a resonating call for recognition of ground-level governance challenges, as stated by the Coconino County.
Benatar has a strong and varied background, with experience at the United Way of Northern Arizona, the National Park Service, NASA, and DNA People’s Legal Services. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, studied law at the University of Oregon, and earned a certificate in public finance from the University of Missouri. She’s the only Treasurer in Arizona with a Certified Government Investment Professional certification. Benatar has won several awards for her leadership and community work and is a fellow with the American Council of Young Political Leaders, showing her dedication to public service and political development, as per the Coconino County.
