North Canton Keeps Finance Position in the Family

Karen Alger, finance director for the city of Canton, soon will head to North Canton to take up the same post.

Currently filling North Canton’s finance director position is V. Margaret Loretto, who took over when Alex Zumbar left the position in November to become Stark County treasurer. Loretto, Alger’s aunt, held the position since January 1980.

Alger and her twin sister worked under her while they were in college, and Alger always wanted to become the finance director of North Canton. She said Loretto’s career influenced her growing up. She laughs when she talks about filling the shoes of her aunt.

“I started bookkeeping in high school, and I kind of knew the path I wanted to take,” she said. “I wanted to become a CPA and eventually wanted to take that job from her.”

And Loretto said she’s happy Alger finally got the job she wanted. Her qualifications, references and experience set her apart.

“I felt confident that she would do the job,” Loretto said this week.

About 40 people applied for the position, and Loretto narrowed those applications to 15. Council narrowed those 15 to eight candidates. Loretto interviewed those candidates and eliminated three. Then council chose from the final round of candidates.

She said she didn’t tell council members Alger was her niece until after the interviews because she didn’t want that to have any bearing on their decision.

Alger will make $71,000, which would be bumped up to $73,500 after 90 days.

She also has been the assistant administrator of settlement and budget and assistant director of fiscal administration in the Stark County Auditor’s Office.

The Jackson Township resident is excited to start her new role.

“I’ve enjoyed my work at Canton, but I’m just extremely happy and thrilled to work for North Canton.”