Anna Allyn Bennett Jorgensen

Anna Allyn Bennett Jorgensen, a resilient and determined single mother of two, has left an indelible mark on the public service landscape of Belize. Her unwavering commitment to her duties and insatiable thirst for knowledge propelled her through a remarkable 36-year career that spanned two crucial Government Departments. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Mrs. Jorgensen's journey serves as an inspiring testament to her tenacity, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. Mrs. Jorgensen embarked on her Public Service journey in 1986, taking up a role as Second Class Clerk, Pay Office at the Belize Defence Force. For just over four years, she tirelessly demonstrated her dedication, ultimately earning herself a transfer to the Treasury Department in 1990. This move marked the beginning of a chapter that would define her legacy in the Belize Public Service. In her role as a Clerk, Anna Allyn Bennett Jorgensen was the embodiment of a frontline officer. Her roles within the Treasury Department included Checking Clerk, Paysheet, Imprest and Paying In Clerk, Savings Bank Clerk, and Cashier. Her commitment to mastering her and in 1998, one of the youngest supervisors in her Department. Mrs. Jorgensen's passion for learning shone brightly in the year 2000 when she became one of the select few officers chosen to receive training on the introduction of Smart Stream, a transformative Electronic System of the Government of Belize. This training, centered around the Payables Package, showcased her ability to grasp complex concepts and, subsequently, her talent for imparting knowledge. She became a trailblazer in her own right, training officers across various Ministries and Departments in the intricacies of invoice creation and cheque printing. The year 2004 brought yet another pivotal moment in Mrs. Jorgensen's career, as she was relocated to San Pedro to spearhead the establishment and management of the San Pedro Revenue Center. Her ability to take on challenging assignments and thrive in diverse environments further cemented her reputation as a versatile and capable Public Officer. In 2007, Mrs. Jorgensen was entrusted with the role of Supervisor for Payroll duties. During this period, she worked hand in hand with IT personnel to revolutionize the payroll process. Through her leadership, the entire payroll, pension, and deductions systems transitioned from semi-manual to fully electronic within three years. This transformation stands as a testament to her commitment to innovation and her relentless pursuit of efficiency. She would later include Primary School Teachers/ Staff and BDF Volunteer Soldiers in the Payroll System, completing 95% of Government Officers being paid via Electronic Payroll. The culmination of Anna Allyn Bennett Jorgensen's illustrious career came in 2014 when she earned a promotion to the esteemed position of Assistant Accountant General and in 2015 Accountant General of Belize until her retirement. Mrs. Jorgensen’s academic accomplishments are equally impressive and underscore her commitment to personal growth and professional excellence. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Economics & Finance from Galen University in 2013 and a Bachelor's Degree in Science from the University of Indianapolis in the same year. In the years, 2016, 2017, and 2018, she earned the following: Introductory Certificate in Public Procurement, Advance in Public Procurement, and Strategic Diploma in Public Procurement from the United Nations Development Programme’s Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). Her educational foundation was established earlier with an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Belize Technical College in 1999. Beyond her achievements, Anna Allyn Bennett Jorgensen's philosophy embodies the core values of a dedicated public officer. Her belief in going the extra mile to serve the public, coupled with her warm and welcoming demeanor, exemplifies the ideal interaction between government and citizens. Her credo of "work first and play after" and her steadfast appreciation for her roots, her present, and her future stand as guiding principles for aspiring public officers. She has always felt the need to be of significant service which also resulted in her being recognized for her willingness and availability to perform Disaster Management duties. She was also recognized by many for her professionalism in performing Election Duties throughout her career, Mrs. Jorgenson performed duties as Counting, Poll Clerk, Presiding, and Returning Officer. Anna Allyn Bennett Jorgensen's legacy is one of dedication, resilience, and unceasing growth. Her contributions to the Belizean public service and her enduring commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to all who follow in her footsteps.