New City Clerk Ready For the Challenge

When Catherine Roeske and her family moved to Oak Creek in 2003, she never expected to work as an elected official.

Starting Tuesday, she is doing just that.

Roeske, who will serve a three-year term, was elected city clerk after beating out LeAnn Launstein in April with 58 percent of the vote. She replaces Pam Bauer, who .

In her 18 years at American Express, Roeske served in many roles, working in people and project management, technical documentation and business analysis. One of her proudest accomplishments was assisting in a $3 million savings for the company, she said.

Roeske also served eight years as an election official in Illinois. She said helping the democratic process along is a great privilege and she is honored to play a role.

"I learned how important it is to do your part," Roeske said, "no matter how big or small, to make a difference."

Roeske plans to use her technology and leadership skills to keep the clerk's office transparent and make services more user-friendly by putting them online.

With major elections approaching, Roeske knows the position will be challenging, but she said she is ready take it on.

"I intend to exceed the expectations of the clerk's office, the elected officials, and the citizens of Oak Creek," she said.

For many years, Roeske wanted to work within the community. She thought the city clerk position was the perfect chance to utilize her skills and experience while giving back to the city she is proud to call home, she said.

When not spending time with her three children, Roeske enjoys bird watching and canning whatever she can gather from her garden. She enjoys participating in local farmer markets and shares a green thumb with her husband -- together, the two own Farmhouse Orchard and Gardens.