Karen Utterback.

• Position: In Memoriam - In memoriam

It is with deep sadness that the Government Finance Officers Association announces the unexpected death of Karen Utterback, who had been with the GFOA since 1985. Karen died on August 18,2009, at age 57. She was editor of the GFOA Newsletter and associate editor of the Government Finance Review, and her many other contributions included managing the GFOA Awards for Excellence in Government Finance program.

"Karen was a valued member of the GFOA staff for nearly a quarter century," said GFOA Executive Director Jeffrey Esser. "She will be deeply missed"

A Chicago resident, Karen began sailing in the mid-80s and often sailed on Lake Michigan. One of her passions was racing sailboats. She raced competitively in locations around the world and took part in the Chicago to Mackinac Island Race many times. She also ran marathons, and her ambition was to run in one on each continent. She had completed marathons in Antarctica, Asia, and Africa, as well as many in North America. She was also known for her fascinating vacations--she had been to Mongolia this summer and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last year.

Karen shared her talent and boundless energy with many local organizations. She was...