Carmen Hader, the senior accounting manager for Public Services at Yakima County, received a certificate of recognition from the Board of Yakima County Commissioners during the July 22, 2025 regular agenda meeting, marking her retirement from county service.

The certificate presented at the meeting — read as part of a special presentation — listed Hader's service as "36 years, 3 months." Multiple speakers in the meeting referred to Hader's tenure as spanning more than three decades and variously mentioned "36" and "38" years; the certificate shown to the board and audience recorded 36 years and 3 months.

The recognition centered on Hader's institutional role and technical leadership. Lisa Frein, who introduced the presentation, said the county had relied on Hader through key technology and systems transitions and credited her with work on the county's first financial system and later systems such as Workday, Springbrook and asset/inventory and permit systems. "This is a very special honor recognition that we're giving today to Carmen Hader, currently our senior accounting manager for public services," Frein said.

County colleagues described Hader as a problem-solver and mentor. Matt Petrusiewicz, Yakima County engineer, told commissioners Hader "always had our best interest in mind." Judy Kendall, human resources director, recalled a personal and professional friendship with Hader stretching back to 1991 and described Hader as a trusted advisor. Tabitha Bass, who said she worked closely with Hader for six years, called Hader "more than a boss. She's been a mentor, like a second mom to me." Craig Warner and others echoed appreciation for Hader's technical competence and institutional memory.

Hader addressed the board and audience at the end of the presentation, thanking family and colleagues. "First and foremost, I want to thank my husband, Greg, and our two sons, Chris and Nick, who loved and supported me through all of those evenings and weekends and the sacrifice of our family time for the benefit of the county," she said, and added that she is confident the Public Services and County Road staffs are prepared to carry work forward.

Commissioners also offered remarks. Commissioner Lindy quoted from the film It's a Wonderful Life to emphasize Hader's place in the community, saying in part that "a man is counted rich if he has friends," and noting the turnout of colleagues as evidence of Hader's impact. Commissioner Curtis recalled working with Hader over the last three years and called her a "cornerstone of this institution," citing her role in two major county system implementations.

The presentation concluded with a photo opportunity and an invitation for staff and guests to gather for cake on the fourth floor. The board did not take any formal policy action related to the recognition.

Ending: The July 22 recognition is ceremonial and marked Hader's retirement and the county's acknowledgement of her long-term technical and mentoring contributions. No further action or follow-up tasks were recorded during the meeting regarding this presentation.