Spirit

Lavery Named City’s new CFO

Colleen A. Lavery has been named The City of Elgin’s new Chief Financial Officer replacing retiring James R. Nowicki effective May 11, 2010.

Lavery, a certified public accountant with a master’s degree in business administration, has served as the City’s Assistant Finance Director since 2005. She has developed the City’s $277 million budget, has worked to maintain the City’s $1.92 tax levy while also managing Elgin’s debt issuance and annual audit. Additionally, Lavery supervises all customer service representatives and accounting staff.

“Colleen has proven to be an effective leader and manager over the years,” said Elgin City Manager Sean Stegall. “Her vast experience in the finance and accounting industries coupled with her vision and long-term strategy for cost control and budgeting will ensure the City remains on the right financial track.”

Lavery has been in the finance industry for nearly 25 years and has held a number of top managerial and senior accounting positions in both the public and private sectors. Before coming to Elgin, Lavery served as a manager for Plante & Moran, PLLC, a public accounting firm, handling projects ranging from auditing to consulting.

She also served as the Chief Financial Officer for Glass Specialty Co., Inc. providing vision and strategy direction relating to the company’s profitability, cost control and the diversification of its products and services.

“I am excited about the opportunity,” said Lavery. “It will allow me to work with a Mayor, City Council and management team who are focused on well serving its residents while ensuring a sustainable future for Elgin.”