A longtime employee of the Hamilton County Treasurer’s Office has announced her intention to run for county treasurer.

Cheryl Westrum, a Republican, said she would seek the Republican nomination for the office.

Joni Hilpipre, the current county treasurer, announced recently that she would not seek another term and would step down at the end of 2018.

Westrum has worked in the treasurers office for 18 years.

“I started in the driver’s license and worked my way up, learning motor vehicle and tax departments,” she said. “I have had great mentors in the county treasurers and assistant county treasurers.”

Westrum is a lifelong Hamilton County resident and attended school in Webster City and Stratford. She has been married to Gary Westrum for 36 years. She is the daughter of Richard and Shirley Lester and the daughter-in-law of Verlyn and Dorothy Westrum. The couple’s children attended Webster City schools and son Austin Westrum and wife Emily and their family still live in Hamilton County.

Prior to working at the treasurers office, she worked for the Webster City Police Department as a police and countywide E911 dispatcher.

“I intend to actively research and fund the best interest and investment returns for the county’s fund as my predecessor has,” she said. I have knowledge of how the office works and will maintain the smooth operation of the office. Customer service is very important to me.

“I believe in prompt, knowledgeable, courteous service with a smile,” Westrum said.

Colleen Hansen, a Democrat, has also announced her intention to run for the office.