Langford named Medical Lake's finance director

The city of Medical Lake has welcomed its newest finance director: Karen Langford. Langford took over for former director Jennifer Hough, who left the city in the summer.

Although Langford is new to the position, she has actually worked for the city for several years.

"It's something that I always wanted to do, when the opportunity came, I applied for it," Langford said. "I'm excited about this. It's going to be a challenge."

Langford was born and raised in Medical Lake and graduated from Medical Lake High School. She describes Medical Lake as a "great town and community."

"There's not another place I would want to be," Langford said.

Langford later earned her associate degree from Spokane Falls Community College, saying she had always had an interest in general business and "loved doing numbers." She previously worked at the Spokane County Sheriff's Office and the city of Airway Heights for three years before she learned about a part-time cashier/clerk job in Medical Lake. After several months on the job, she was promoted to full-time employment.

Langford said her previous jobs have taught her not to be afraid of new things and challenges.

Part of Langford's duties include helping the city municipal court, which faded away after Medical Lake started contracting with Cheney's Municipal Court for services. She transitioned into working in records management and taking care of contracts and agreements.

"We have a good staff here and everyone wants to do the best job they can, and help take care of the community," Langford said. "If there is a problem, everyone wants to fix it and keep things running as smooth as possible."

Langford and the rest of the office are currently transitioning to a new billing program. She said the system is "really user friendly" and the customer service is great to work with.

"We transitioned to the financial part (of the system) in July, and we're bringing the utility portion of the new system online at the end of the month," Langford said. "Hopefully we have all of the kinks worked out."

Langford said the staff is working hard to learn the new system, which has resulted in "everyone having to pick up extra work, while training."

"But everyone has done an awesome job so far," she added.

In addition to learning a new system, Langford has been working closely with City Administrator Doug Ross on transitioning into her new role.

"I know there's a lot of learning that I have to do," Langford said. "When I need answers, Doug will step up and give them. We work well together."

In an email, Ross wrote that Langford is a hard worker and when she does not know something, she is "relentless in finding the answer."

"I think it is always important to remember that (when) entering a new position, or job even, that you will not know everything there is to know," Ross said. "Having the determination and making the effort to find those answers makes you successful, and Karen has demonstrated that skill, in both her previous and new position."

As for goals, Langford said she hopes to eventually be able to settle into her new role with the city.

"I want to be comfortable with what I'm doing and give City Council and the City Administrator updates any time they need information, especially with finances."

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].