Mayor Ed Pawlowski today announced the nomination of Brent A. Hartzell as Director of the Allentown Finance Department.

Hartzell has vast experience in municipal finance and public policy during a lengthy career in both the public and private sectors, including a 19 month stint as interim budget director in the city of Detroit. Hartzell has also served as chief of staff and special assistant to the chief financial officer in the U.S Department of Education and as senior government analyst in the office of policy and budget, executive office of the governor in the state of Florida.

“We are very fortunate to land a person with Brent’s knowledge and experience,” said Pawlowski. “He has had a highly successful career in government and as an independent financial consultant in the private sector. He has a keen understanding of municipal finance. I believe that Brent will be able to step right in to tackle our current and future financial issues,” said Pawlowski.

“Allentown is a city that is undergoing tremendous positive change,” Hartzell said. “I am honored to become a part of it. I can’t wait to get started.”

It is the job of the director of finance to ensure the financial stability of the city by managing all financial functions in an efficient, cost-effective and responsive manner. The finance department oversees long range strategic financial planning and provides city departments and the public with timely and accurate financial information, while assuring clarity and accountability.

Hartzell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota and a Master of Arts in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Hartzell’s nomination now goes to city council for its approval.

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