Martha Haynie
Retired Comptroller, Orange County, Florida
Martha Haynie was elected and served as comptroller in Orange County for seven terms before retiring in January 2017 with 28 years of service. Named the 1998 Outstanding CPA in Government by the Florida Association of Certified Public Accountants, she was the recipient of the UWF Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008.
What did you find most rewarding about serving as comptroller?
I was in a position to use my professional education and experience as a CPA to give credibility to this elected CFO office. With a professional staff, my role was to present and explain the county’s financial issues to the elected mayor and commissioners. It was extremely satisfying to create and foster a culture of customer service, and gain a reputation for providing excellent and thoughtful service to Orange County’s citizens.
How are you spending your time in retirement?
For now, I am wrapping up my term on the Board of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida and my time on the Board of Advisors at the Hamilton Holt School at Rollins College. I am also campaign chair for my church’s capital drive. I just began a term on the Board of Directors of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. I have also spent wonderful time with my three-year-old grandson and his 19-month-old sister.
How do you stay connected to UWF?
My former husband and I attended local alumni events from time to time, and after I was elected, I discovered that both the Orange-Osceola Public Defender Bob Wesley and Orange County Commissioner Pete Clark are fellow alumni. Also, my son Scott’s attendance at UWF for two years, from 2004-2006, was also a great connection to UWF.