(From Press Release) – Communications. Mike Webb, City Manager, announced changes in the City organizational structure designed to place greater focus on strategic communications and outreach within the community and has tapped Diane Parro to lead the efforts. Effective immediately, Parro assumes an updated position of Director of Business and Community Engagement and will oversee outreach efforts with the business community, residents, visitors and others. She has served as Chief Innovation Officer since July 2015.
“We are fortunate to have a very engaged community and while we emphasize communications now, this is an area that I believe deserves greater attention,” said Mike Webb. “Diane has a background in marketing, is an outstanding communicator, is proactive, and is a great fit to take on these responsibilities.”
Parro, along with Sarah Worley, will continue to act as liaison to the business community. Added responsibilities will include taking inventory of current communications procedures in all departments to create consistency; working with City Council, staff, and the community to define key messaging needs; and leading the creation of a comprehensive communications plan. Stacey Winton, Public Information Officer, will work closely with Parro as they strive to enhance the ways in which timely and accurate information is provided by the City and feedback from businesses and residents is sought. Another member of Parro’s team is Rachel Hartsough, who will continue to interface with the community’s arts and cultural providers while leveraging this new reporting structure to foster synergies with the business community.
“Transparency is of critical importance and I am supportive of efforts to deliver more information using traditional and emerging modes of communication,” said Mayor Robb Davis. “I am pleased that the City Manager’s Office has reorganized around existing staff to place greater emphasis on providing information to the public and engaging the community in myriad ways.”
Finance. In addition to the changes related to communications and outreach efforts, Webb also announced the recruitment for a Finance Director. Kelly Fletcher, the current Finance Administrator, will be retiring in July after 35 years with the City. “Helping to guide the city’s financial path will be an increasingly critical function over the next several years. I look forward to bringing a financial professional into the organization who will serve as our chief financial officer to provide budgeting and short and long-term financial planning leadership to help achieve City Council and City Manager core objectives.” Recruitment efforts will begin soon.
