Indian American woman to become Virginia state treasurer

Washington, Dec 27 (IANS) An Indian American is all set to become the treasurer of Virginia, a state bordering the US capital and sometimes called the 'Mother of Presidents', as it is the birthplace of eight US presidents.

Maharashtra-born Manju Ganeriwala, deputy secretary of finance since January 2006, takes over from J. Braxton Powell on Jan 1, 2009 as the person in charge of managing the economic recovery of a state that's home to some 50,000 Indian Americans.

'Manju Ganeriwala brings a proven record for financial analysis and management that is in keeping with the high standards that Virginia holds as one of the Best Managed States in the nation,' Virginia Governor Timothy M Kaine said announcing her appointment.

'She will continue to provide effective and strong financial management for the Commonwealth.'

As treasurer of Virginia, Ganeriwala will serve as the chairperson of the Treasury Board of Virginia, which has oversight for for $8-10 billion of investments and debt management of the state.

In her current post, Ganeriwala has served as an advisor to the governor on all financial matters of the state, including crafting the budget, developing revenue forecasts, issuing debt, maintaining the AAA bond rating and maintaining Virginia's status as one of the best financially managed states.

She previously served as deputy director for finance and administration in the Department of Medical Assistance Services from June 2000 to January 2006. She has worked in state government since July 1985.

Born in Akola, Maharashtra, Ganeriwala holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Bombay and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

This is the second major appointment of an Indian American in Kaine's administration after Aneesh Chopra, who was made the technology secretary in his cabinet at the beginning of his administration in 2006.

Some other Indian Americans in Kaine's administration include Gopinath R Jadhav, a consulting gastroenterologist from Richmond to the board of directors of the Small Business Financing Authority and Kanshana K Thamodaran, a marketing executive in Virginia Beach to the board of commissioners of the Virginia Public School Authority.