City Manager Dorothy Ann David announced today that Kay Nees, currently the City of Champaign’s City Accountant, will be promoted to the Finance Director position effective June 26, 2017.
Ms. Nees has worked for the City of Champaign for the last three years and has more than 18 years of experience working in government accounting. Prior to working as Champaign’s City Accountant, Nees served 2½ years as the Assistant Finance Director for the Village of Hanover Park, Illinois, and worked up though various positions, including Senior Manager, during a 12-year career with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (formerly William F. Gurrie & Co., Ltd.) in Oak Brook, Illinois. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Illinois University.
“Kay’s wide range of experience in public finance, particularly in local government, made her the best choice to serve as our next Finance Director,” said City Manager Dorothy Ann David. “Kay’s expertise in municipal finance is broad and extensive including accounting, financial forecasting, investments, pension policies, and budget preparation. Kay has demonstrated organizational leadership, effective financial and personnel management and an ability to achieve results throughout her career. Our City is fortunate to have a professional of her caliber on staff and I’m pleased to be able to promote her to the Finance Director position.”
“I am very excited for the opportunity to serve as the City’s next Finance Director,” said Kay Nees. “I look forward to working with the City Council, City Manager, and staff to carry on the City’s legacy of responsible financial planning and discipline. It will be my honor to continue serving our wonderful community in this new role.”
Kay Nees was selected through a nationwide search following the retirement of Richard Schnuer in March 2017. Ms. Nees’ starting salary will be $134,000 per year.