It’s the end of an era in the MFA Oil accounts payable department. JoAnn Wilborn, the department’s longest-tenured employee, is retiring on June 3, after more than 45 years of combined service working at MFA Incorporated and MFA Oil.
A pillar on the accounts payable team for 18 years, Wilborn has handled payment of company bills, printed and mailed checks, collected IRS W9 forms from vendors, reimbursed employees for expenses, matched fuel invoices to vendors, and served as a resource for coworkers with accounts payable questions.
An example of the value her coworkers placed on Wilborn’s counsel became clear during one of her vacations. Someone had called in to ask her a question, but the call was directed to James Waddell, one of six managers Wilborn has worked under at MFA Oil. When Waddell informed the caller that Wilborn was on vacation, the employee on the phone said they would just wait to have Wilborn answer the question when she returned.
“JoAnn has been a go-to person for so many people over the years,” says Tom May, senior director of employee engagement and culture. “Her kindness and professionalism have always been top shelf, and we so appreciate her dedication to the company. We have been blessed to have JoAnn as part of the MFA Oil family.”
Wilborn got her start with the cooperatives in 1977 as an entry operator with MFA Incorporated’s data processing department and later handled invoices and bill payments for the farm-supply cooperative’s animal health division.
Wilborn became aware of the opportunity to work at MFA Oil in 2004 thanks to a referral from her sister, Sandy Jackson, product distribution manager. The sisters have worked in the same building ever since, and most days could be found enjoying their lunches together in the company break room.
Colleagues say Wilborn’s positivity made her an easy person to work alongside.
“JoAnn has a great attitude and upbeat nature that have made her a joy to interact with, no matter the situation,” says Kenny Steeves, senior vice president of MFA Oil operations. “On behalf of everyone in the field, I want to thank her for the support she has provided to us for so many years.”
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Raetz appreciates Wilborn’s many contributions to the cooperative.
“I had the good fortune to work with JoAnn during my first stint at MFA Oil, so I’ve had the privilege of knowing her for the better part of 20 years,” Raetz says. “JoAnn has remained steady and extremely reliable all those years, and she will be difficult to replace. We wish her a long, healthy and happy retirement.”
Wilborn has enjoyed her time with the company and the opportunity to meet coworkers she now considers friends.
“I know there are some people who dread getting up in the morning and going to work, but that has never been my experience,” Wilborn says. “This is a great place to work, and the people are amazing. I have learned so much over the years and had lots of fun. One of the most important lessons was to take pride in your job and do the best work that you can. I have always tried to approach my work in that way – doing everything I can to help people.”
In retirement, Wilborn looks forward to traveling with friends, going on bowling trips with her sister, Jackson, spending more time with family, caring for her flowers, and possibly taking up quilting.
MFA Oil is hosting a retirement reception for Wilborn on Friday, June 3, from 4 to 6 pm at Cheerleader Pub and Grill in Columbia.