Mary Diane Gentry comes to this board from the smallest populated county in the State of Kansas.

Living in a small community has great benefits. We are a community that pulls together when there is a need for someone or something. We have a county owned hospital, swimming pool, theatre, school, carnival, disc golf course, 9-hole grass green golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, 4H buildings along with two city parks. We have an active senior center where our citizens gather daily to play cards, marbles, or exercise. We also have a walking path and exercise center. I would love you to visit.

After graduation, I began my government experience working as a dispatcher for the Greeley County Sheriff's Department. I worked for them for six months, when the County Treasurer offered me a position in the County Treasurer’s Department. I was deputy treasurer for 10 years. I was elected County Treasurer in 1992 and was sworn in in Oct. 1993. I received outstanding education through both the Kansas County Treasurer’s Association and NACCTFO. I am a Certified Kansas County Finance Executive through Fort Hays. I earned the Chancellor’s Certificate in Public Administration: Finance Master from the University of Missouri St. Louis. From Wayne State University I have the Government Finance Master Certificate.

I served as President of the Kansas County Treasurer’s Association in 2002 & 2006.

One of my proudest accomplishments was receiving the Outstanding Kansas County Treasurer in 2019.

Outside of work volunteering within my community is another facet of my life. I am involved with several organizations serving Greeley County. I am a founding member of the Greeley County MDT Team; this team works for the youth of our community. We find ways to help them and their families from becoming statistics of the state.

I am past president of the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center and currently serving as a board member. This organization works with children that have been sexually abused.

I am very passionate about both organizations. I am committed to making a positive impact. These experiences serve as a reminder that small actions can spark meaningful change.

I currently serve as President of the Greeley County Amusement Association. I have served on board for 15 years.

In the past I volunteered on the theatre board, serving as president for several years. I was on the committee saving our community swimming pool, as well as the committee to place a NOAH weather station in our county.

In my free time I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, and trying my hand at several different crafts. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, Barkley my husband of 42 years along with my son Alex and his wife Jennifer, son Mason and his wife Andrea. Last year Alex & Jennifer made us grandparents by adopting Bradley, our 10-year-old grandson.

At the heart of everything I do is a set of core values: integrity, empathy, and innovation. I believe in striving for excellence while remaining grounded in humility. My approach is centered on continuous learning, open-mindedness, and the pursuit of meaningful connections.

I am deeply committed to ethical practices, both personally and professionally. Transparency and authenticity guide my interactions, and I aim to create environments where all voices are heard and respected. I see challenges as opportunities for growth and believe that setbacks are integral to the journey toward success.

Looking ahead, my goals are focused on making a lasting contribution in my field and beyond. I am dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering inclusive communities, and driving positive change. My vision is to bridge gaps—between disciplines, cultures, and generations—through collaboration and creativity.

I am excited by the possibilities that lie ahead, whether developing innovative solutions, cultivating meaningful partnerships, or inspiring others to realize their potential. The future,

to me, is a canvas waiting to be painted with bold ideas and compassionate actions. I look forward to the chapters yet unwritten and invite you to join me as the story unfolds.

I welcome opportunities to connect with others who share my passion for growth and discovery. Together, we can continue to learn, create, and build a brighter future.