Meet Kathy Gurney: Confidential Secretary to the Borough Administrator

Every day, the gears and cogs that move various administrative duties along within the Borough of Oakland do so with ease. That’s because Kathy Gurney is behind the machine.

In her 17 years as a borough employee, Gurney is the sometimes out-of-sight employee who spends her time working closely with Borough Administrator Richard Kunze, making sure everything gets where it needs to go, questions are answered, paperwork is issued, and residents get responses.

Gurney wears many hats in the borough.

She assists the borough administrator with the issuance of contracts, insurance issues, scheduling, personnel matters, and also serves as the secretary to the planning board and zoning board of adjustment. The boards are responsible for reviewing and approving new borough construction and zoning amendments respectively. She is responsible for attending all meetings and writing and transcribing meeting minutes.

Although arduous and challenging, Gurney handles her responsibilities and duties effortlessly. She is known for her fantastic work ethic, her ability to work efficiently and for always going the extra mile to assist residents, vendors, and co-workers.

Gurney came to work for the borough in May of 2004 in the Planning Office, and since then has made her career working here, rising to her current position of confidential secretary in May of 2014. It is a position she has profoundly excelled in.

“I am very fortunate to work with Kathy. Her job is demanding and requires someone who is technically proficient, well organized, works well with others and excels at customer service. Kathy possesses all of those attributes and is truly an asset to the organization", said Borough Administrator Richard Kunze. 

Gurney has two daughters and is the loving grandmother to her five adorable grandkids. 

"My spare time is spent, of course, with my grandchildren and family. I’ve been an avid runner for the past 26 years, participating in marathons and many local races. I enjoy doing crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, and sitting on my deck, taking in the nature", Gurney said. 

If a resident is calling the borough administration offices, they will most likely get Kathy Gurney. She uses her skills to listen and answer questions, and point visitors and callers in the right direction.  

Over the years Gurney has perfected her skills while adapting to ever-changing technology and new state and federal requirements that the borough must abide by.  

"My job here means everything to me and I often tell people how blessed I am to work here", said Gurney. "As for the people I work with, it feels like they are an extension of my family. I’ve been lucky enough to work [in] and learn [in] other departments here in the borough."

"When the borough administrator announced the opening for confidential secretary, I did not hesitate to apply for the position and was thankfully appointed," she added. "The borough administrator, Richard Kunze, made the transition into my current position very comfortable and stress-free--and for that, I will always be grateful to him for the opportunity. I’m proud of what I do here and proud of the team of people I work with."

This story was written by newsletter correspondent Michael Carelli.