Finance Subcommittee
Overview
The finance subcommittee oversees the financial management of the organization and works directly with the Treasurer and the Director to monitor and maintain the organization’s fiscal health, ensuring long-term sustainability and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
Budgeting: Collaborates with executive leadership and the Board to draft, monitor, and adjust annual operating budgets.
Reporting: Prepares standard financial statements (income statements, balance sheets) and presents findings to the Board of Directors.
Cash Flow: Manages day-to-day liquidity to ensure the society can fund ongoing archival maintenance, exhibitions, and payroll.
Investment & Endowments: Oversees the society’s investment portfolios and restricted funds to maximize dividends and ensure principal preservation.
Current Finance Chair
Laura O’Neill
Laura’s ties to Bedford go back to her grandparents, who all lived in Bedford. Her Mom and Dad were both born in Bedford homes and lived in the city their entire lives. Laura graduated from Bedford High School and went on to complete her undergraduate degree in Marketing and MBA in Finance from Cleveland State University. Laura retired in 2020 after 23 years working in her own business managing non-profit associations. In her spare time, Laura enjoys her grandchildren and loves visiting National Parks.
“We are fortunate to live near the Bedford Reservation, one of two reservations of which Brecksville is the second, that fall within the boundaries of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the only national park in Ohio.”
Subcommittee Members
Betsy Lee
Betsy was born and raised on Palmetto Avenue in Bedford, where she now resides. Being the daughter of Dick Squire, founder of the museum, she was involved with the Museum from the beginning. A Bedford High School graduate, she raised two daughters and subsequently has 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. In 1980 she began working for the Bureau of Workers Compensation in Columbus and transferred to the Cleveland office allowing her to move back to Bedford. In September of 2004, she retired from Workers Compensation as a Claims Supervisor. She got involved in the Strawberry Festival, eventually becoming chair of the event. She became a Bedford Historical Society Trustee and became President of the Board. On July 1, 2022 she became Director.
“My father’s passion has become mine.”
Terry Blair
“Bedford is an historic town and what better way to learn the history of the community than by joining the Bedford Historical Society!”
Terry serves as the Treasurer of the Historical Society.