City finance director heads to Honduran post
Columbia Finance Department Director Lori Fleming will be leaving the city's staff to take a position as financial and budget adviser to the Honduran Finance Ministry early next month, according to a city press release issued this morning.
Fleming will be taking a three-year assignment through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Technical Assistance (OTA). During her assignment, Fleming will help the Finance Ministry improve its accounting standards.
In the release, city manager Bill Watkins said Fleming has helped the city maintain a stable financial position.
“Especially over the last few years, as sales tax revenue has declined, Lori designed a financial plan to maintain stability and avoid drama," he said. "That helped us maintain our bond ratings, meet our budget and continue to improve city services. We will miss her.”
Fleming said in the release that she has enjoyed her time working in the city.
“It has been a pleasure to serve the citizens of Columbia,” Fleming said. “I greatly appreciate the opportunities Columbia has provided me and sincerely believe that this position is the best that any finance director could have.”
Fleming, a certified public accountant, joined the city as finance director in 1995 after serving as finance director in the city of Peoria, Ill. She graduated from the University of Arizona earned a Master of Science degree in accounting from Illinois State University.
Watkins said the city will begin a nationwide search for Fleming's replacement, with a community advisory committee providing feedback.