Friday, September 15, 2006

New Finance Director Appointed

Here is a press release we issued yesterday.

The Town of Fairfax is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian Roth as its new Finance Director. Ian comes to the Town from the County of Marin, where he has served as the Administrative Services Manager of the Community Development Agency since 2002. In this role, he manages a budget of $12 million and is responsible for all accounting, payroll and administrative aspects of a 90 member department. His prior positions include serving as a Senior Administrative Analyst/Budget Analyst for the Marin County Administrator’s Office. Ian also worked in an administrative and financial role with the City of Santa Rosa as well as a grant writing consultant. During the mid-1990’s, Ian served as a volunteer with the Town of Fairfax and produced a 25-year analysis of the impact of Proposition 13 on Fairfax. Ian holds a Bachelor’s degree from U.C. Berkeley and is near completion of his Master’s in Public Administration from San Francisco State University. Active in local civic affairs, Ian has been very involved in the Ross Valley Community since 1994, currently serving on the San Anselmo Town Council.

In August, the Town of Fairfax conducted a recruitment which yielded 12 applicants for the Finance Director position. Today, the Fairfax Town Council considered the finalists and ratified the appointment of Ian Roth in conformance with the Town’s Municipal Code.

“I consider this a real success for the Town of Fairfax to have someone of Ian’s professional caliber and commitment coming on board in this position. He immediately impressed me with his strong skills in budgeting and fiscal analysis, combined with a knowledge of our County government structure and an obvious commitment to the economic success of the Ross Valley. In addition, his history with the Town has positioned him a step ahead in understanding our fiscal condition,” said Town Manager Linda Kelly.

“Ian’s expertise will be a great help in the Town’s strategic financial planning efforts,” added Mayor Susan Brandborg.

Ian is a resident of San Anselmo and is married with two children in the Ross Valley School District.

Ian’s first day with the Town of Fairfax will be October 9, 2006. “I am truly looking forward to rejoining Fairfax; the Town’s leadership makes this an easy decision, as does its dedicated staff.”

The same day, the Town of San Anselmo issued this press release:

San Anselmo Town Councilmember Ian Roth has accepted the position of Finance Director for the Town of Fairfax. At the same time, the Council has received the resignation of Roth effective October 8.

Roth said that when this job opportunity arose it was one he couldn’t pass up, and he realized that it would be incompatible to hold both offices. “I have enjoyed immensely serving the citizens of San Anselmo and I know I will still participate in San Anselmo as a concerned and involved resident.”

Mayor Barbara Thornton noted that the Council will be “sorry to lose the energy and enthusiasm that Ian brought to the Council. His contributions to the Town during his tenure have been exceptional.”

At the regular meeting of September 26, the San Anselmo Town Council will consider the process for replacing Councilmember Roth.