The City of St. Joseph, Missouri, has officially named Dawn Lanning as its new Finance Director, a role she has already been excelling in for over a year as Interim Finance Director. The announcement was made on Monday, August 12, 2024, solidifying her position as the leader of the city’s financial operations.
Lanning, a native of St. Joseph, has been with the City since 2000, building a wealth of experience over her 24-year career in municipal finance. She stepped into the role of Interim Finance Director in March 2023, taking on the challenge of steering the department through some of its most critical financial tasks. This included overseeing the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and spearheading the development of a $215 million budget for Fiscal Year 2025.
Under her leadership, the Finance Department has made significant strides. The City highlighted her contributions, noting that she has enhanced the department’s analysis and reporting capabilities, streamlined the annual budget development process, and improved the overall services provided by the Finance Department to other city departments.
City Manager Bryan Carter praised Lanning’s leadership, stating that her extensive experience and leadership skills enabled her to implement positive changes swiftly. He noted that Lanning’s ability to build strong relationships had been instrumental in enhancing the services provided by the Finance Department, not only to other city departments but also to the public. Carter described her as a “stabilizing influence” whose work will continue to elevate the quality of service offered by the department.
Mayor John Josendale also commended Lanning for her commitment to transparency and her ability to present financial information in a way that is accessible and understandable. He emphasized that her work has been crucial in helping the City Council and administration make informed decisions, both on a daily basis and during the annual budgeting process. Mayor Josendale expressed his enthusiasm for working with Lanning as the city continues to pursue its strategic goal of ensuring financial responsibility.
Lanning’s appointment marks a significant moment for the City of St. Joseph as it continues to navigate the complexities of municipal finance. With her at the helm, the city is poised to build on the progress made in recent years and to continue improving its financial operations, ensuring that resources are managed effectively and transparently.
As the new Finance Director, Lanning will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the city’s finances, from budgeting and financial planning to accounting and financial reporting. Her leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the city’s finances remain robust and that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
In the months and years ahead, Lanning’s experience and dedication will be put to the test as the city faces the challenges of managing a growing budget and meeting the needs of its residents. However, with her track record of success and the support of city leaders, there is confidence that she will continue to lead the Finance Department with the same level of excellence and integrity that has characterized her career so far.
For the citizens of St. Joseph, Lanning’s appointment is a positive development that promises continued financial stability and transparency in the city’s operations. Her leadership will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of St. Joseph’s financial landscape, ensuring that the city remains on a strong fiscal footing for years to come.