1988 – Washington, DC
Appointed by President Reagan and confirmed by the Senate, Katherine Ortega served as the 38 th Treasurer of the United States from September, 1983 through June, 1989. For her service, the Secretary of the Treasury presented her with the Alexander Hamilton Award, the Department’s highest honor. Prior to her appointment as Treasurer, Ms. Ortega served as a commissioner of the Copyright Royalty Tribunal and as a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business. She has practiced as a certified public accountant with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. in Los Angeles, served as vice president of the Pan American National Bank and as president and director of the Santa Ana State Bank. Ms. Ortega graduated with honors from Eastern New Mexico University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and economics. She holds four honorary doctorates. She currently serves on the board of directors of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, Inc., Ralston Purina Company, The Kroger Co. and Rayonier Inc. She also serves as a director of Catalyst and is a member of the United States Comptroller General’s Consultant Panel. Appointed by President Bush, she served as an Alternate Representative to the United Nations General Assembly during 1990-1991. Katherine Ortega is married to Lloyd J. Derrickson.
