Village of Lewiston appoints new clerk, treasurer

Fundis, Myers to take over for retiring Salada

By Joshua Maloni

Managing Editor

When the Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees begrudgingly accepted Clerk/Treasurer Amy Salada’s resignation earlier this year, a process began to find a replacement.

Following an executive session on Monday, it was decided the clerk/treasurer position would be split.

Deputy Clerk Shannon Fundis and Deputy Treasurer Stephanie Myers were promoted and will take the reins on Jan. 1.

In addition, Donna Vazquez was appointed deputy clerk.

“Amy’s retiring in December, so we had to make a decision about who’s going to do what, and we had to hire a new person, because we need three girls in the office,” Mayor Anne Welch said Tuesday. “Stephanie does an awesome job financially. That’s her thing – she’s the math girl – and she likes to do all the financial. She needs to concentrate on doing that stuff.

“When we hired Shannon, she picked up right away; I mean, she’s really good at her job. And she fit right in. She was the logical choice – to make her clerk.”

Salada was quick to praise Fundis and Myers.

“Both women have a lot to offer the Village of Lewiston community, and have shown their eagerness to keep the village office running efficiently,” she said. “Both are friendly, bright and intelligent young ladies who are very capable of serving in their positions as assigned, while working together as a team. These ladies have proven their abilities while working with myself and other board members and departments in their tenure.”

Clerk-designate Fundis has only worked for the village six months, but in that time she “has exhibited considerable insight and understanding of municipal government requirements,” Salada said. “Her education and refined customer service skills serve her well in the clerk’s office on a daily basis.

“Shannon has a professional background as a regional manager for a chain store, bringing insurance knowledge, procedure and writing abilities with her. While learning the position of deputy clerk, she has adapted well to the regulations and needs of administering to the many departments and village boards and commissions. Shannon has shown genuine enthusiasm for taking on all the tasks required to give personal service to all who visit the clerk’s office, and has added much support to the daily routines.”

Fundis said, “My career intent was to be in the medical field. I majored in physical therapy at the University of Buffalo. While working through college, I discovered my interest in leadership and customer service. From there, my life took a different path. I spent 17 years working in management, where I specialized in leadership, training, customer service and administration.

“When I saw the opening for the deputy clerk position, I knew it would be a perfect fit. I thrive in an environment where my responsibilities are diversified, and that is exactly what a day working in the clerk’s office requires.

“Amy has set a very high standard, and I am extremely excited to work along Stephanie to maintain that standard, to continue developing relationships, and to providing the village with exceptional service.

“I am truly honored to be chosen for this position. My brief time working here has already proven to be such a rewarding and fulfilling experience. I look forward to coming to work every day wondering how it will unfold, and what I will learn next. The Village of Lewiston is an exceptional place, and I am grateful to be a part of its charm, growth and development.”

Treasurer-designate Myers is a familiar face, having also served as secretary to the Historical Preservation Commission.

“Stephanie Myers has been with the village clerk’s office for three years and, during her time, has taken on many projects, such as the Lewiston Landing repairs with FEMA funding requests, and report filing. She is skillfully navigating the projects given to her,” Salada said. “Stephanie brings extensive education with a master’s degree in education, specific to mathematics. She has dedicated herself to learning the standards for governmental accounting and municipal principles. Stephanie has proven that she enjoys serving the village residents and businesses through her daily performance. She is a joy to work with and always has team spirit. She picked up on the required personal service we provide automatically.”

Myers said, “Growing up in the Village of Lewiston, I observed as my father, brother, grandfather, grandmother and other relatives were serving the community in many capacities. I experienced firsthand how rewarding it would be to follow in their footsteps. The challenges and satisfying responsibilities serving as deputy clerk and then as deputy treasurer for the last three years have prepared me to serve the community as the village treasurer.”

Vazquez comes to the clerk’s office from KeyBank.

“She’s worked at the bank for years, so she has that background – the money background and cash drawer and everything else. That’ll be good for her,” Welch said. She added, “She’s a Lewiston girl. From working in the bank, she knows the people, the customers. So, it’ll be kind of an easier transition for her just to come over here.”

Salada took over as clerk/treasurer in 2014. She replaced Welch, who briefly retired before returning to serve the village as a Planning Board member (2015) and then as mayor (2018).