Controller Gail Manion is retiring this month after dedicating more than 27 years of service to Conway Corp and the Conway community.
Gail joined the company as an accountant in 1996. She worked her way up the ranks, being promoted yearly from 1996 until her promotion to senior accountant in 1999. Gail joins former Chief Financial Officer Tracy Moore, who retired just last month. Moore boasted that hiring Gail at Conway Corp was a win for the company.
“I wish I could take credit for hiring Gail but Richie Arnold did that,” he said. “I have never met a person as dedicated to excellence as Gail. Should I desire to start a new business or an accounting division, Gail would be the first person I would try to recruit.”
Gail was promoted to general accounting supervisor in 2003. Following years of dedicated service, Gail was promoted again, becoming the company’s first controller.
“It was not something that I asked for. It was something they did for me,” she said.
As controller, Gail was responsible for all of the financial accounting for many departments including electric, water, sewer and cable. She also oversaw other critical financial processes ranging from payroll and accounts payable, to fixed assets and job costing.
Gail saw the company advance from the original accounting system, which was just her and another person. She recalls guiding the company through “countless software implementations,” which she laughed “was a very busy time for her, but greatly improved and made the company better.”
Accountant Laura Frizzell, one of her longtime direct reports, said she will definitely be missed in the office.
“Gail was a great boss, good supporter and an even better friend.”
Gail could not pick just one reason for her long tenure at Conway Corp. She listed several.
“The environment and people, having an employer who understands family is first. Management has always treated me with respect and showed they genuinely cared not only as a co-worker but a friend. I really appreciate all the kindness and help over the years from everyone. It takes a village to do what we do and I was blessed to be part of that for sure.”
Time flies when you’re having fun, but unfortunately, all things must come to an end. Gail is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, who retired last December.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my grandkids. I’m going to travel and see them more often,” she said. “My husband and I like to bike ride, so we want to go biking at the paved bike trails around the U.S. It’s been an adventure here, but time to move on to the next one!”
Gail leaves us with her final words of advice:
“Always do your best to show courtesy and respect for everyone and do the best job you can do. Take pride that you are part of the village who makes Conway Corporation work.”
Congrats, Gail!