First woman, no politics: Sheila Srivastava’s new approach to county treasurer

Sheila Srivastava has made history as the first woman elected to serve as Salt Lake County Treasurer. But for Srivastava, the significance of this milestone extends far beyond personal achievement—it represents a broader shift toward community in financial leadership.

"When I was a young college student applying for a job, one of the first questions on the application was, 'Did your husband give you permission to apply for this job?' I was stunned," Srivastava said. "That moment reinforced my awareness that I was entering a male-dominated field, and it wouldn’t be easy. But I was determined—I worked hard, took advantage of every opportunity, and spoke up when I had something important to say."

Shiela Srivastava took the oath of office as Salt Lake County Treasurer in January. (Photo courtesy of Shiela Srivastava)

 With a career spanning over three decades in fraud detection, federal grant management, and municipal consulting, Srivastava enters the Treasurer’s Office with a commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds. "Success in government isn’t measured by stock sales or bottom-line profits—it’s about responsible stewardship of public funds. This is the people’s money," she said. "Every decision I make is with Salt Lake County’s residents—my constituents—in mind."

Raised by a single mother in a small community where government was often met with skepticism, Srivastava’s early years were shaped by financial hardship. "My family relied on welfare and food stamps to get by, and the rising cost of basic necessities was a constant concern," she said. "My mother worked three jobs to make ends meet and send me to school, where I became the first in my family to graduate from college."

Srivastava initially built a successful career in private-sector accounting, but her most fulfilling work, she noted, was with nonprofit and municipal organizations. "When I worked with them, I wasn’t just helping an entity—I was serving an entire community," she explained. 

After retiring in 2022, Srivastava intended to step away from professional life but soon realized she wanted to continue serving. "When I was asked to run for treasurer, I initially hesitated, but the opportunity to put my decades of experience to work for the people was too meaningful to pass up."

Since taking office on Jan. 6, Srivastava has been focused on key priorities, including transparency and technological modernization. "At Salt Lake County, we maintain full transparency—every dollar spent or invested is detailed in publicly available documents," she said. 

Recognizing that financial reports can be difficult for the average taxpayer to interpret, Srivastava has implemented an open-door policy. "I am always willing to meet with taxpayers, walk them through their tax notice, and explain exactly how their dollars are working for them. Trust is built when elected officials take the time to listen, acknowledge concerns, and provide clear, evidence-based explanations."

According to Srivastava, her approach to governance is rooted in collaboration and a commitment to nonpartisanship. "I campaigned on a commitment to keeping politics out of the Treasurer’s Office. At the end of the day, we’re not serving Democrats or Republicans—we’re serving the people of Salt Lake County," she said. "With good data and open minds, we can collaborate and put politics aside to continue the tradition of good governance."

One of her top initiatives is modernizing the county's mainframe tax management system. "Upgrading our technology will increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service for taxpayers," she said. "Change can be challenging, but it also presents opportunities for growth. I am working with my colleagues to determine the best ways to implement these improvements."

Srivastava aims to be mindful of concerns about regressive taxation’s impact on low-income residents. "We will maintain high collection rates, invest wisely, and ensure efficient spending. Our goal is to manage the process effectively and distribute funds quickly so county agencies can continue delivering high-quality services to residents," she said. "Sometimes, people just need someone to listen. My team knows that I have an open-door policy, and I will gladly sit down with any taxpayer and help them break down their tax notice so they understand exactly where every penny is going."

Encouraging civic engagement is another priority for Srivastava. "There are many public meetings and opportunities to have a voice on municipal ordinances and state statutes," she noted. "I want to ensure those opportunities are well-known so taxpayers can advocate for the changes they need. The great thing is, local council members and elected officials genuinely care about hearing from constituents, and the State Legislature and Administration also want to hear from all Utahns."

Despite her demanding schedule, Srivastava finds ways to recharge. "Knowing the financial struggles that so many people are facing keeps my mind constantly engaged, always thinking about how my work can make a positive impact. But sometimes, I need to quiet my thoughts and recharge," she shared. "For me, that means taking a walk, curling up for a movie with my husband and our beloved dog, Moxie, or practicing yoga. I also find peace in nature and cherish time spent with my children, Zachary and Vanessa."

As Srivastava looks ahead, she remains committed to upholding the county’s strong fiscal standing. "Salt Lake County is a well-oiled machine. Our previously elected officials, along with the mayor’s finance team and investment advisors, have done a fantastic job safeguarding our investments and managing our portfolio to ensure long-term financial stability," she said. "With a AAA bond rating from all three major ratings agencies, Salt Lake County’s fiscal management is in the top 0.1% of all cities and counties in the country. I am proud to take the baton and continue this tradition of preserving our strong position in collaboration with a committed team of professionals."

Whether through fiscal oversight, community engagement, or technological upgrades, she has not lost sight of what her election means: "We need more women to run for office and take on leadership roles in finance and STEM. Women belong in these spaces just as much as anyone else. I hope my election inspires other women to step forward, knowing they have a seat at the table. Representation matters."