City manager appoints interim finance director

The City of Columbia appointed an interim finance director Wednesday to hold the office until it begins a nationwide search later this month. Former City Controller Janet Frazier will hold the position until the replacement for the former director, Michele Nix, is found.

Nix announced her resignation last month in order to take on a new position with the California Public Employees Retirement System.

“I have enjoyed my time working at the City of Columbia and working for the citizens of Columbia,” Nix said at the time of her resignation. “We have a very knowledgeable finance staff, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work we have accomplished together.”

The city’s goal is to have a replacement for the position by early 2019. Frazier will serve as the interim director until then.

“We are glad that Janet agreed to come back to lead the team until we find a person to fill the director position permanently,” said City Manager Mike Matthes in a press release. “We are fortunate to have a deep bench of professionals who will ensure continuity of financial operations under Janet’s interim leadership.”