Bullock hires new finance director

The town has hired a new finance director.

Town Manager Dave Bullock announced in an email last night to the Longboat Key Town Commission that his top choice accepted the position.

Susan Smith, a certified public accountant with experience in both public and private accounting in Connecticut, accepted the job last night.

Smith, Bullock said, was the unanimous choice of two interview panels. Smith arrived in Longboat Key Friday afternoon and spent Friday afternoon and a portion of Saturday discussing the position with Bullock.

An offer was presented to Smith Monday and she accepted the position on Tuesday. She will start in mid-May with an annual salary of $95,000.

“I believe Susan will be a strong addition to the management team for the town and I look forward to working with her,” Bullock wrote.

Smith is currently the finance director for the town of Wetherfield, Conn. She oversees an $86.4 million general fund balance. Smith has 29 years of experience in accounting.

Finance Director Tom Kelley resigned Friday and budget specialist Sandi Henley has been filling in as acting finance director while the town searched for Kelley’s replacement.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].