Just a few weeks shy of her 30th anniversary as administrative assistant/accountant for the Greeley, CO-based National Onion Association, Monna Canaday announced her retirement in January, and the NOA introduced Sharla Johnson as the new AAA.
Canaday began her tenure with the NOA in February 1986, and Executive Vice President Wayne Mininger said her “attention to detail and genuine concern for people” are definitive traits of the outgoing admin assistant.
“Monna’s cheerful voice, attention to detail and genuine concern for people are among the many traits that helped to shape and nurture the association for thirty years,” Mininger said in an NOA announcement. “Her achievements are many… [and on] behalf of myself, the staff, officers, trustees and members, we thank Monna for a job well done. Congratulations and best wishes for her retirement years.”
Monna took time to reflect on her time with the NOA and said, “I am thankful for having the privilege to serve an outstanding association. The many changes I have seen over 30 years, the endless opportunities and the wonderful people I have worked for have made so many great memories.”
Looking ahead to retirement, Monna said she plans to do some volunteer work, get more involved with her church and perhaps find part-time work.
“As I say goodbye to NOA, I wish continued success for the association as it faces the changes and challenges that lie ahead for the onion industry, and may God bless each of you,” she said.
Johnston began working alongside Canaday in November, and she was introduced to association members attending the Annual NOA Convention in San Francisco in December. The new admin assistant/accountant said she is grateful for the transition time with Canaday, and she added, “I am really looking forward to building on Monna’s legacy and finding ways to improve member experiences while growing and strengthening the association’s well-being.”
With an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Northern Colorado’s Aims Community College, Johnston is experienced in a variety of accounting roles with several ag-related businesses in the Weld County area of the state. Most recently was served as town treasurer for Severance, CO, where she lived for six years.
Mininger said, “Sharla has worked in busy business office cultures for years. Her background in accounting and interest in agriculture are important assets… and she will bring fresh ideas to the association that will help us grow as we evolve and service members. I’m excited about what lies ahead for the NOA.”
A third generation Coloradan, Sharla was raised in a rural, ag-based setting. Her family history has ties to both animal and crop production, and she spent many years in 4-H, enjoying that organization’s wholesome, ag-based lifestyle. Today she continues to enjoy quilting and gardening as well as spending time camping and fishing with her husband and four children.
