VALENTINE, Neb. - Melissa Bancroft of Valentine will likely become the next Cherry County assessor, as long as she obtains the required certification. On Thursday, the Cherry County Board of Commissioners voted to hire Bancroft as the assessor office manager, with the intention of appointing her as the official assessor if she passes her certification exam within 150 days.

The assessor position, which is typically elected, is vacant after previous assessor Jackie Moreland resigned. Her resignation was effective Sept. 10.

Bancroft holds a bachelor’s degree in math and a master’s in education with an emphasis on math.

“It’s no doubt that your skill set, knowledge and education are there, and you come highly recommended,” County Commissioner Martin DeNaeyer said.

Commissioners mentioned that the job does require leadership and sometimes confrontation.

“That’s probably as challenging as the calculations,” Commissioner Nina Nelson said. "It’s very vital that we have a leader who is present.”

Bancroft plans to begin working in the assessor’s office next week and immediately start preparing for the certification test.

“I have a lot to learn about the job, but I’m ready to take on the challenge,” Bancroft said. “I know how to study. I know how to get to a goal and ask questions if I don’t know something.”

“It is an elected position. You will be appointed and hired, and then it would be your choice to run in two years,” DeNaeyer said.