A willingness to consider new approaches and a desire to simplify processes have been the keys to her success, said Dorethea Yates, who for 12 years has been finance director and treasurer for the city of Hot Springs.
“I feel like so many career opportunities I have had are because I went above and beyond my job and learned some new things that enhanced my skill set,” said Yates, 60.
Early in her career, Yates worked as an accountant for the Arkansas Public Service Commission and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives. She later worked as treasurer of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences before moving to Hamilton, Ohio, to be that city’s comptroller and later treasurer.
And it was in Hamilton she discovered her love for municipal government and finance. “It’s fulfilling to drive around town and see the direct impact of financial decisions on the lives of our citizens,” she said. “I’ve been able to impact decisions about debt and investments in a manner that has saved or earned the city substantial amounts.”
Returning to Arkansas in 2001, Yates wanted to continue work for city government, but the first job she took was director of financial services at UALR. She soon was hired by the city of Hot Springs.
“Sometimes you just happen to be in the right place at the right time,” Yates said. “I’ve been blessed. Both my parents were blue-collar workers, and they really instilled a good work ethic in me. I think that has also been a key to my success.”
Yates serves on the board of the Hot Springs Pocket Theatre and the Community Services Office, and she is also involved as a mentor with the Bridges Over Poverty program.
Her management philosophy is teamwork, she said. “My staff, or others that I work with, must feel that I know they are valuable to the team and are allowed to contribute.”
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