Communique #1 – Secretary-Treasurer
National Secretary-Treasurer Marie Rackley, August 24, 2021.
Greetings League sisters,
As the newly elected national secretary-treasurer, I would like to introduce myself to you. I am a 51-year member at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Saint John, New Brunswick and a third-generation member following my grandmother and mother.
I have served as parish president, diocesan president, provincial president and recently completed an extended term as national chairperson of community life. I received life membership in 2014, which was the greatest honour I could receive for being a member of a Catholic organization that has enriched my spiritual life and helped me be the person I am today.
Finance has always been a significant part of my working career. Like many young people, I wanted to travel, and in 1975 I was employed with the territorial government and lived in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (NWT), working for the Liquor Control System. In 1977, I moved to Hay River, NWT and became a liquor inspector for the South McKenzie District. Then, leaving the great north, I returned home due to family illness.
I was then employed by the YMCA of Greater Saint John as its controller, a position I held for 31 years. My experience included being responsible for the daily operations of the YMCA Operation Fund, YMCA Endowment Fund and YMCA Capital Fund and managing an office of three staff. I prepared the annual operation budget with staff and presented it to the board of directors. In addition, I prepared monthly financial statements for all three funds and reported to the chairperson of finance at monthly board meetings. In 2013, I was responsible for the capital fund as the YMCA broke ground to build a new $20 million facility. The organization moved into the new facility in August 2015 and opened its doors in September. I later retired in May 2016.
I am looking forward to working with the staff at national office in Winnipeg and know I will enjoy every minute. It is important to me that the League remains viable and members remain good stewards in promoting the League in Canada and overseas.
May Our Lady of Good Counsel continue to bless and guide each of you as we return to the community with strong hands and voices.
Marie Rackley
National Secretary-Treasurer