She’s filling some ‘big shoes’ in Camas

When Donna Gregg began her new job as director of business services for the Camas School District, she knew it would be a challenge.

That’s because she was hired to replace Ina Evers-Martin, who had the job for some 26 years.

“It’s been a challenge walking in Ina’s boot steps,” she said. “The saying is that those are some big shoes to fill, but she has got boots.”

Gregg comes to Camas from a job as a construction finance manager for the Education Service District 112 in Vancouver. She held the position for five years. Before that, she worked for the ESD as a business manager for the Hockinson and Ridgefield school districts.

Gregg’s impressions after being in Camas for a few months are positive.

“It’s great here,” she said. “People are fabulous and so supportive. I also had the opportunity to work with Ina for a bit before she retired. Of course, with a new job there’s always a big learning curve, but I love everybody here.”

In addition to enjoying the people she works with, Gregg also likes the constantly changing nature of her job.

“You’re introduced to all different facets of school operations,” she said. “You do everything from checking enrollment, to doing internal audits, to working with the superintendent on finance issues, to monitoring the budget and cash flow.”

She also enjoys attending meetings and getting to know different people.

“I don’t ever want to be in a void where I do numbers but I don’t understand what we do for kids,” she said. “They are our business.”

Gregg first heard about the job opening in Camas when a co-worker at ESD 112 mentioned it to her.

“This is a great district and these types of jobs don’t come around often,” she said. “Sometimes, when opportunity comes you just have to take it.”

Camas is known for its intensive interview process, and the position of business services manager was certainly no exception to that rule: Gregg’s application included two essays, an individual interview, a panel interview, a computer skills test and a presentation to administrators.

“I did mine on finance information for Camas for the past year,” Gregg said. “I wanted to do something that I would present to patrons of the district.”

A few days later, Gregg got a call for another interview with Superintendent Mike Nerland, and was hired.

Nerland is impressed with what Gregg has done for the district.

“In just a short time, Donna has already shown that her experience and exceptional knowledge of public education funding will ensure that the CSD will continue our tradition of transparency and fiscal responsibility,” he said. “Donna knows the importance of remaining fiscally conservative especially in these tough economic times. She keeps abreast of the state’s budget situation and quickly communicates any information, such as state revenue forecasting, that may impact district funding, not only in the short term, but future funding as well.”

In addition, Gregg is serving as president of the Washington Association of School Business Officials.

“Obviously she is well respected by her colleagues throughout the state of Washington,” Nerland commented.

The aspect of her job that Gregg said sets it apart from others is the people in Camas.

“They talk about the Camas family, and it’s true,” she said. “They encourage and support you, and do anything to help you out. It’s a great place to work.”

During her off time, Gregg likes to travel with her husband of 25 years, Andrew.

She also enjoys photography, scrap booking, racquetball and working out.