(Seguin) — After 30 years of serving Guadalupe County, County Auditor Kristen Klein has earned national recognition for her leadership and commitment to public finance.
Guadalupe County Auditor Kristen Klein has been presented with a 2026 Outstanding Public Service Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.
Klein was one of 49 recipients selected from nominations across the United States and Canada. The award recognizes exceptional professional achievement and public service in government finance.
The nomination was submitted by Roxanne Canales, Guadalupe County first assistant county auditor.
Canales says she has worked alongside Klein for nearly 15 years and has witnessed firsthand the impact she has made both within Guadalupe County and across Texas.
“I have been wanting to do it. I just know that she has worked for many years for Guadalupe County — she got her 30-year award not too long ago, and still counting. She doesn’t, I don’t think, plan on leaving any time soon, so she’s still trucking along and she’s still very active with our Texas Association of County Auditors. She’s held every position on that board. But she still is very involved in holding training there at the conferences, and she also volunteers to give presentations at other county association trainings or conferences. But she’s currently volunteering on the Texas Association of Counties Executive Board, which helps establish policy for TAC. She’s always giving of her time and energy to train us and help us and keep learning, so yeah, she just is deserving of this honor,” said Canales.
According to Guadalupe County, Klein’s work extends well beyond her day-to-day responsibilities as county auditor. In addition to serving local government, she has represented Guadalupe County on financial advisory boards and committees while also helping train finance professionals across the state.
Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher says while Klein’s work often takes place behind the scenes, her efforts ensure accountability and transparency.
“Commissioners Court is proud to recognize Kristen Klein for this well-deserved service award. Her professional expertise often happens behind the scenes, and it is essential to maintaining responsible stewardship of public resources,” said Kutscher.
Canales says Klein’s leadership has also had a lasting impact on those who work with her every day.
“I just feel like she’s very deserving of it through her service to us and the county. She is great to work under. She’s a great boss,” said Canales.
The Government Finance Officers Association’s Outstanding Public Service Award remains one of the most prestigous awards recognizing public finance professionals in, again, both the United States and Canada.