Mayor Ginther Names Kathy Owens Director of Finance and Management
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today announced Kathy Owens will
serve as the Director of the Columbus Department of Finance and Management,
effective immediately. Owens succeeds Joe Lombardi who was selected to serve as
Executive Director of the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio.
“Kathy's service to the City of Columbus is surpassed only
by her commitment to our residents and their well-being,” said Mayor Ginther.
“Her wide-ranging experience with the City, including within the finance
department, positions her well to lead and to help move our entire city
forward.”
As the first Black woman to lead the Department of Finance
and Management, Owens will oversee a staff of more than 300 employees
responsible for facilitating, crafting and monitoring the city’s $1
billion-plus operating and capital budgets, vehicle fleet, facilities
maintenance, procurement, real estate and construction management.
"Public service is my passion, and I am honored to
serve my hometown in this new and exciting capacity,” said Owens. “This city
has opened the door to so many opportunities and experiences throughout my
life. I look forward to returning the favor by working each and every day to
uplift every resident and every neighborhood across Columbus."
Owens will transition from her role as deputy chief of staff
for policy and operations in the Office of the Mayor. Prior to that, she was a
deputy director in the Department of Finance and Management, and a member of
City Council’s Legislative Research Office. She also served as a Council aide,
staffed former City Attorney Janet Jackson and worked in the mayor’s office
during the Lashutka and Rinehart administrations. Kathy was born and raised in
Columbus and is a graduate of Linden McKinley High School. She holds a degree
in business administration and an MBA from Ashland University.