04-18-2005 Mayor Announces New City Controller

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Mayor Announces New City Controller Page 1 of 2 � v%• 'Building a 21St Century City " ' rs Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor RELEASE FROM: FOR RELEASE: Office of the Mayor Monday,April 18, 2005 Mayor Announces New City Controller Mayor Stephen J. Luecke today announced that Catherine Fanello has been named Controller for the City of South Bend. The Mayor noted that, "Ms. Fanello brings a unique mix of knowledge, experience and credentials to this very important position of guiding the financial direction of the City. In addition to being a licensed Certified Public Accountant with experience in both the public and private sectors, Fanello also held elected office, serving as County Commissioner for Vanderburgh County (Evansville)for one term. "Catherine's experience and familiarity with local government financing and her depth of accounting experience is a wonderful combination of skills that will serve South Bend's goal of maintaining and enhancing our strong financial performance while insuring that we are providing our citizens with the programs and services that they deserve," said Mayor Luecke. "In addition, her experience as an elected official gives her added perspective in understanding the issues that are critical to building a successful city." Ms. Fanello will begin her duties Monday, April 18, 2005. As City Controller, Fanello will oversee the Department of Administration and Finance including the divisions of Finance, Human Resources, Benefits, Human Rights, Information Technologies, Licensing, and Safety and Risk Management. "I am very excited to work for the City of South Bend and for Mayor Luecke. As one of the top four cities in the State of Indiana, South Bend has been a leader in championing fiscal responsibility as well as developing creative partnerships to continue to grow the city," said Ms. Fanello. "I have also observed Mayor Luecke's leadership, statewide, on issues of importance to cities and towns and recognize his leadership and emphasis on effective, cost-efficient government services." Catherine served as the Finance Officer for the City of Evansville from 1996-1999 and Evansville's Deputy Controller 1998-1999. She was an accountant with Wright Consultants, LLC 1999-2001 and with John Friend & Co., P.C. from 2001-2004 and County Commissioner for Vanderburgh County from 2001-2004. During her tenure as Commissioner she also served two years as President for the Board of Commissioners. Commenting on her experience in both the public and private sectors of accounting and financial management, Ms. Fanello commented that "it is important to recognize that while the public and private sectors operate somewhat differently, the ability to understand and to draw from each area will be beneficial to successfully managing South Bend's economic potential." "I am particularly interested in proposed changes in state law that may have a dramatic impact on local government finances and will be working with Mayor Luecke to ensure that our city has the tools it needs to continue to provide the level of service our residents expect." http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/041805 Controller.htm 1/13/2006