Shirley Nakawatase Officially Announces Candidacy for San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Hailing from San Diego’s South Bay, Shirley Nakawatase is one of Imperial Beach’s most well-known and trusted public figures. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with more than 40 years of experience in tax preparation, financial consulting, and business turnarounds, she is also a community leader whose volunteerism and advocacy ranks high among her constituents. Now Nakawatase is a candidate running for San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector in San Diego’s Municipal Primary Election on June 2, 2026.

“I am not a career politician but the fiscal expert that this job needs,” says Nakawatase. “My promise to all San Diegans is to safeguard their money, cut waste, and build a stronger San Diego County for all 3.3 million of us.”

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As the next Treasurer-Tax Collector, Nakawatase is prepared to offer her fiscal expertise with a strong background as both an accountant and as a business owner. She earned an accounting degree from San Diego State University. In 1990 she launched Nakawatase & Co, CPAs, now HNK CPAs. She has earned a stellar reputation over the years by guiding many families, small businesses, and organizations through the complexity of tax laws, including the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. She has served as a per diem CFO where she successfully rescued struggling companies by cutting inefficiencies, boosting profitability, and delivering results.

Nakawatase’s leadership skills and volunteerism are illustrated by a long list of community programs and events that she has either led or participated in, without pay. She believes in making her community better by putting her mind and effort on behalf of her neighbors. The City of Imperial Beach has experienced a renaissance over the past 30 years, and Nakawatase has been at the forefront. Her record of service includes serving as Chair of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Regional Center; as Past President and Treasurer of the Imperial Beach Boys & Girls Club; Chair of the city’s Design Review Board; President of the Mar Vista Alumni Association; Lieutenant Governor and Trainer for Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha and is currently the Treasurer for the San Diego County Capital Asset Leasing Corporation. She has also volunteered to chair many community events; most notably the Sun & Sea Festival, SeptemberFest, and the Sandcastle Ball. For those interested in contributing to Shirley’s candidacy please visit https://www.ShirleyforSanDiego.com