Winston-Salem names next chief financial officer

August 27, 2026 - 05:03

The City of Winston-Salem has named a new chief financial officer, filling the top budget and accounting post after a months-long search. City officials confirmed the appointment this week, saying the incoming officer brings over two decades of public sector finance experience, including stints in local government in two other North Carolina municipalities.

The new CFO will step into the role starting next month, taking over day-to management of the city's roughly $700 million annual budget, debt portfolio, and financial reporting. The previous CFO left in the spring to take a position in the private sector, and the city has relied on an interim director since then.

In a brief statement, the city manager praised the hire as a steady hand for what he called "a period of major infrastructure investment and post-pandemic fiscal recalibration." The new officer will also oversee the city's treasury operations and work closely with the mayor's office on long-term capital planning.

The appointment comes as Winston-Salem faces rising costs for public safety and street maintenance, plus ongoing negotiations with employee unions over pay raises. The new CFO will be expected to present the first draft of the next fiscal year's budget to the city council in late April.

The officer holds a master's degree in public administration and is a certified government finance officer. She previously served as deputy finance director in Durham and as budget analyst in Asheville. She starts on March 3.