LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Mayor Meghan George recently appointed Peter Rancatore as finance director, as well as Claudia Dillinger as human resources director.
“I’m happy to have these two important positions filled,” George said. “It was about finding the right people to fit those roles. I’m also glad we were able to do it quickly.”
Rancatore replaces longtime Lakewood Finance Director Jennifer Pae, who resigned late last year in an unsuccessful attempt to seek appointment to a then-vacant council-at-large seat.
“Experience was critical for the finance director position,” George said. “We found someone who has spent nearly his entire career in city or county government in finance.
“Peter spent most of his career in the Lucas County area. He was chief deputy auditor for Lucas County for a number of years and chief accountant and director of finance in the City of Toledo,” George said.
“He has a lot of experience in municipal finance and extensive experience in senior-level management. Peter will be a nice fit to add to a very experienced finance department.”
While there were roughly 15 applicants for the open director of finance position, the mayor said many didn’t have municipal finance experience.
George also involved current Lakewood Finance Department employees in the search for the new director, with Rancatore starting with the city on March 30.
“Considering they were going to be working very closely with the director, I thought it was important to get their opinions,” said George, who noted that she employed the same process involving Lakewood Human Resources Department employees in the search for a new director.
Dillinger replaces another longtime figure at city hall — Director of Human Resources Jean Yousefi, who left her position in February.
“Claudia, who started April 6, comes to us from the City of Elyria,” George said. “She spent most of her career in municipal human resources. She has a background in this setting. That was important.”
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