Guyanese-born Maureen Walker made history in November 1993 when she became the first woman, the first African-American, and the first person of Caribbean descent to be elected to serve as Comptroller in the City of Mount Vernon. She served six consecutive terms from 1993 to 2017.
During her tenure, Comptroller Walker has achieved her objective of maintaining the City of Mount Vernon as a financially stable and viable municipality. This financial stability has resulted in ongoing budget surpluses, enabling the city to keep property tax increases to a minimum. As a result, Mount Vernon remained affordable for residents and businesses. Under her leadership, the Department of Finance, on behalf of the City of Mount Vernon, had been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for many years. Maureen Walker was re-elected to the position of Comptroller of Mount Vernon in 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2013.
Maureen is a New York State Certified Public Accountant. The Plaisance native holds an MBA in Finance from the University of New Haven and a B.Sc. in Accounting (magna cum laude) from Brooklyn College. Prior to being elected to the office of Comptroller, Maureen was employed as an Auditor with Arthur Anderson, & Company and as a Senior Financial Analyst with The Equitable Life Assurance Company.
As City Comptroller, Mrs. Walker was responsible for the Finance and Payroll Departments. As Comptroller, she managed the City’s Budget, oversaw insurance coverage, negotiated union contracts, tax collection, management of City-owned real estate, Risk Management, General Accounting, and Record Keeping, in addition to overseeing investments and financing of Capital Projects.
The Comptroller serves on the Board of Estimate (which approves City Contracts), the Real Estate Committee, the Mount Vernon Renewal Agency (which plans for the revitalization of the City), the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency, and the Capital Projects Board.
Maureen was an Adjunct Professor of Finance and Accounting at Iona College and a frequent speaker on various accounting and finance issues as they related to her job as City Comptroller. In addition, she was a member of the New York State Government Finance Officers’ Association, Inc., the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Westchester Municipal Finance Association.
Maureen demonstrated her commitment and concern for the people of the citizens of Mount Vernon through her years of dedicated service in professional and volunteer endeavors. Mrs. Walker served on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement and is a Consultant to the Junior Achievement arm of the Mount Vernon Public Schools System. She was a member of the Mount Vernon Business and Professional Women’s Club, Community Aid Club of Mount Vernon, and WESTHELP-Mount Vernon.
On Tuesday, March 24th, Mount Vernon Comptroller Dr. Darren M. Morton and the City of Mount Vernon will hold an unveiling Ceremony of the official portrait of former MV City Comptroller, The Honorable Maureen Walker, in the City Council Chambers. The event will recognize her years of leadership, service, and lasting contributions to the City of Mount Vernon.
We proudly celebrate Maureen Walker, a true Black Westchester Legend!
Excerpt from the book, “Black Westchester Celebrates Black Women Of Westchester,” available on Amazon or email BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com to purchase your autographed copies.
