[Press Release] : City manager names interim finance director

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
Contact: Toni Messina, Director, Public Communications - (573) 874-7660
or Rene Graham, Public Communications Officer - (573) 874-7316 or John
Blattel, Internal Auditor - (573) 874-7627
 
City manager names interim finance director
 
COLUMBIA, MO (November 24, 2010) - City Manager Bill Watkins today
announced that John Blattel, the city’s internal auditor, will serve as
interim director of the Finance Department, effective Dec. 3. The
appointment comes as current Finance Director Lori Fleming leaves city
employment for a position with the U.S. Treasury Department. Her last
day is Dec. 3.
 
Blattel’s two-and-a-half years as internal auditor are excellent
background for this transitional position said Watkins. “John has
thorough knowledge of our accounting systems, treasury operations and
other finance functions. He has my trust.”
 
Blattel’s experience includes more than 30 years with the Missouri
State Auditor’s Office. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business
administration from Southeast Missouri State University and is both a
certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner.
 
Watkins said that, while Blattel will continue to monitor a few of his
current assignments, the internal auditor position will essentially be
in abeyance during his interim appointment. “John will devote full time
to this critical position. I’m confident that our established internal
controls will allow us to maintain prudent operations during the
transition.”
 
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to provide additional service to
the city,” Blattel said. Blattel’s annual salary will increase from
around $68,000 to $95,000 during his interim appointment, and he will
maintain his existing employee benefits. Blattel is married with three
children and three grandchildren. He currently resides in Jefferson
City, Mo.
 
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