For 12 years, Martha McGlinchey has played an integral role behind the scenes in the Business Office at GA. Over the course of her time here, Martha has served as both Payroll Coordinator (2010-15) and Payroll/Assistant Account Manager (2015-present). Working as a key member of our Business Office team, her meticulous work has impacted each and every member of the GA community in a positive way. Consequently, Martha will be missed by all, as she has decided to retire at the end of the school year.

“When everything goes right, the person who manages a school’s payroll is like a secret genie working behind the scenes - diligently, accurately, promptly processing our livelihoods so that we give them nary a thought," said Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760. "Fortunately, we’ve never had to think about what might happen when something goes wrong, because Martha McGlinchey is just that good. With a steady hand, an outstanding work ethic, and a pride of purpose, Martha has scrupulously managed thousands and thousands of payroll entries, whether for hourly employees, temporary employees, salaried employees, or any other kind of employee one could possibly conjure up. Personally, I have always been grateful for Martha’s conscientiousness, confidence, and humor. She takes her work seriously but in stride, always thoughtful about life’s bigger picture, especially her effusive love for her family. Martha is an essential part of GA’s highly functioning business office, but in retirement she leaves us stronger than how she found us, having successfully managed our recent major transition to electronic timesheets. An explorer of the world, Martha will make the most of her well-earned retirement, just as a genie deserves, but she will be missed nonetheless.”

As Martha reflects on her memories at GA, two specific moments stand out the most. The first one being the Halloween parade, as she had the opportunity to see her grandson, Rufus, in his very first parade. Martha also recalls another memory, this one a bit different from the last; “I slipped on a wet Oreo cookie on the sidewalk (which I didn’t see) and ended up with a small fracture of my pinky finger!"

Despite that unfortunate mishap, Martha expressed her appreciation for the overall atmosphere and workplace that GA has to offer, claiming that being around students kept her young at heart. What she will miss the most about GA are the everyday conversations with her peers.

“I will miss the office atmosphere and the conversations among us discussing our families and their happenings.” Among those conversations, one quote she will never forget is “What’s said in the business office, stays in the business office.”

Martha already has a whole range of plans in store as she sets off on the next chapter of her life. “Since my husband is already retired, the surprise to him will be getting rid of the junk. I’m planning some major renovations on the house and property and also plan to travel Main Street America. I will continue with my genealogy research (since 2000) to produce a family history book for my children, and continue learning and improving my sewing skills. Most important will be that I’ll be able to spend a good amount of time in the summer with my grandchildren, Rufus and Evie.”

GA is eternally grateful for Martha’s lasting impact, and we wish her all the best on future endeavors.