WARSAW — Just past 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, Kimberly Cates was announced as the elected councilman-at-large to replace the late Bob Sanders.

Kimberly Cates was voted in as councilman-at-large to replace Bob Sanders.

Cates has resided in Syracuse for the last 30 years and is a master tax advisor with 32 years experience having owned the H & R Block Franchise in Syracuse for the last 16 years.

She is a Warsaw native, graduating from Warsaw Community High School, and attended Indiana University South Bend and Fort Wayne where she studied public financial administration focusing on community infrastructure, town management and policy creation and implementation policies relating to public entities.

Cates previously stated she feels the county needs someone who is experienced and versed and has a good demeanor in working with other board members, which she has a lot of experience in board negotiations, in listening, dealing with issues going to affect everyone knowing it is going to be a tough choice because someone is not going to get what they are asking for and be sensitive to people presenting information.

“I feel that I have expansive professional experience. I’m a small business owner, so I’m familiar with the challenges of local businesses…I’ve owned and operated a tax practice, so I feel that’s given me perspective and insight,” said Cates, adding that she feels citizens will trust her judgement with their tax dollars.

Cates ended her speech with, “I’ve been a precinct chair for nine years, and a delegate to the Indiana Republican Delegation three times…I will serve and research issues, attend council meetings and committee meetings…I will listen to constituents. I will move fiscally conservative ideas and programs so our government here can continue to work effectively and work for our community.”

She has managed four major insurance offices, was a media buyer for a multi-million dollar retail marina, was a financial controller for an RV manufacturing plant and spent five years as a media seller and account executive.

Cates was elected in 2012 to the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board and appointed to the Turkey Creek Fire Territory Board where she has served as president for the past five years. She is a member of the Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club and on the Muskies Inc. International board of directors as well as the regional vice president and representative. She has served as precinct committeeman for nine years and a local Republican delegate at the state convention. She is a past member of the Lakeland Community Services board of directors, Wawasee Kiwanis Club, served on various committees for the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce and Syracuse-Wawasee Area Development Co. and United Way speakers bureau.

“I’m very appreciative and I know I need to get to work!” said Cates after the caucus.