| | Published March 13th, 2024
| Town welcomes new administrative services director
| | | By Vera Kochan |  | | Moraga's new Administrative Services Director Katie Bruner Photo Vera Kochan |
Moraga's new Administrative Services Director Katie Bruner officially began working for the town on Feb. 20, taking control of the position from Interim Director Lisa Malek-Zadeh, who in turn filled the post since Annie To resigned in October.
Previously serving as the City of Walnut Creek's budget and procurement manager for six years, Bruner has had an additional 11 years of experience with both Alameda and Napa Counties in an analyst capacity. She has a Master of Public Administration, along with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Sonoma State University.
Bruner's town duties will encompass financial reporting and management; human resources, which includes recruitment, benefits management, and daily operations; information technology; preparation of operating and capital improvement budgets; risk management involving financial, human resource and liability risk management; strategic financial planning and analysis; and supervision of accounting services.
"Katie's exposure to working for three well-run California local governments in general, combined with her specific experience in the key components necessary to succeed as an Administrative Services Director, make her an ideal candidate to take on the role," stated Town Manager Scott Mitnick in a recent press release. "In addition to her technical skills (including budget preparation, long-term financial forecasting, preparing financial reports, investment portfolio management, purchasing, improving technology, etc.), Katie has the necessary people skills to work effectively with Town Council, Department Directors, Town employees, and members of the community."
Bruner grew up in the Bay Area and used to drive through town on her way to work from Oakland to Walnut Creek. She and her husband appreciated the small-town feel of Moraga, which is why making a job relocation was a perfect move for her.
"There are a lot of similarities in services, and every city is different" Bruner said, when comparing working for a town as opposed to a city. "Here, there's a smaller staff, and everyone has to wear many hats -- you have to do more."
Currently living in Walnut Creek, Bruner is getting herself acclimated to Moraga government's way of doing things, "there's always room for improvement. In order to do that you have to get an idea of the process before you make any changes."
Bruner added, "I'm really excited to be here and serve the community in any capacity, and I also want to meet everyone's needs." |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA