People / Spotlight on achievers : Shari Freidenrich Named City Treasurer

Shari Lynn Freidenrich, 36, has been appointed city treasurer to complete the term of Donald L. Watson, who retired.

The Huntington Beach resident, a certified public accountant, said she looks forward to the challenges of the job, which she began May 30, and welcomes an opportunity to “give back to the community.”

“I’m looking forward to being a member of the team here,” said Freidenrich, who will oversee a department of 12 and an investment portfolio of about $60 million.

Freidenrich, a native of Washington state, graduated from Washington State University in 1982 with a degree in business administration.

She was an audit manager for a Costa Mesa accounting firm until 1988, when she joined McDonnell Douglas Corp.’s internal auditing division.

In 1994, she became controller of McDonnell Douglas Travel Co., the nation’s 25th largest travel agency.

“Skills I’ve developed in my various positions are very applicable to those required here as treasurer,” she said. “As a controller, I’ve managed large departments where people skills and management skills are critical.”