Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
As of May 1, Diana Petruzates has stepped into her new role as Lincoln County Treasurer.
Born and raised in Merrill, Petruzates brings a wealth of experience to her new position including 19 years of running a small business with husband Jerry, eight years of service as Clerk for the Town of Schley and 6 ½ years of service as Fiscal Clerk in the treasurer’s office.
Petruzates left the treasurer’s office in 2009 to serve four years as deputy criminal clerk with the Lincoln County Clerk of Courts office, before returning to the treasurer’s office in 2013 as Deputy Treasurer.
Upon announcement of the retirement of her predecessor, Jan Lemmer, in April, Petruzates tossed her hat in the ring for the County Treasurer position.
“After submitting my application, I interviewed with the County Administrative and Legislative Committee,” Petruzates explains. “Following that interview, I moved on to interview with the Lincoln County Board.”
As the county service veteran humbly adds, she was the only candidate garnering recommendation for the board interview.
During April’s meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors, Petruzates was officially appointed Lincoln County Treasurer and was subsequently sworn in on May 1 by Lincoln County Circuit Court judge Jay Tlusty.
“It was a very humbling experience for me in pursuing this position,” Petruzates adds. “My township was just so incredible with their support. I received a very generous recommendation for this position from the township, I can’t begin to explain how much that meant to me!
“My job here is to do the best I can and it is so very humbling to have so many express confidence in me, both when I applied and when I was appointed.”
Despite having over 20 years of experience in service to Lincoln County, Petruzates is well aware of the challenges which lie ahead.
“There is so much to learn! My background experience has proven very valuable in learning new concepts in the treasurer’s office,” she added. “It’s a challenging position, but it’s definitely a challenge I’m up for. I’ve always enjoyed fast paced work so I’m very excited.
“A little hard work never hurt anyone,” she adds with a smile.