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Josh Rayford joins City Office crew

RANDOLPH - Following in the footsteps of his father-in-law, Marlin Van Slyke, Josh Rayford is also serving the City of Randolph.

Van Slyke is a former city councilman. Joanna (Van Slyke) Rayford is married to Josh Rayford. The couple relocated to Randolph from Omaha and after serving in a number of other volunteer offices in Randolph, Josh Rayford has filled the paid position left by Janet Groen’s retirement.

Serving as Randolph’s city deputy clerk/treasurer, Texas-born Rayford has been involved in on-the-job training for about a month.

He is a graduate of Estrella Mountain Community College. Rayford earned his business administration degree at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. He met Joanna in Lincoln.

He and Joanna have one step son, Kaleb. He is a sophomore at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. They have two other children, Milo, 12, and Olivia, 9.

“I enjoy a challenge. It keeps me driven,’’ Rayford said of his new occupation. “It is a great fit for me. I really enjoy the work. I am always open to multitasking. Janet did a really good job here. I am hoping to expand on what she’s put in place. I hope to expand the billing system. I would love to get it online. I split a lot of duties with Ben Benton.’’

Rayford said he mainly handles the utilities billing system, although he often acts as a back-up for Benton when he’s not working on the city finances.

“I have a business background and running the business utilities system is a large part of the work. I bring a finance background and a high level of organization as strengths for what is required in the office,’’ he said. “I enjoy interacting with the town and being a spokesperson especially being the first person that they see when they come in to the office.’’

Rayford has volunteered his services as Randolph Area Foundation treasurer as well as served as president of the planning and zoning commission and the Cardinal Kids Childcare Center.

“Through the planning commission, we try to create a plan for our town in regards to current and future development,’’ he said. “I love this small-town community. The biggest asset is the people. Kids can run about the town and everyone knows who they are. They can play any sport and try something new. That is not something that you always get in a bigger community.’’

The Rayfords moved from Omaha where he worked as an underwriter for First National Bank of Omaha.

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