Jared Askelson stepped up to the plate as Goodyear's new Finance Director earlier this week, a seasoned vet in the world of government finance. Askelson, who's been a familiar face at the city hall for six years, served a three-year stint as Deputy Finance Director before warming the interim director's seat in January.
"Continuing to plan, develop, and manage a smart, fiscally conservative budget will remain a top priority," Askelson said, aiming to quickly start to enhance the city's financial policies. This announcement, as detailed in a statement on Goodyear's official website, outlines Askelson's commitment to building a financially stable city alongside its residents and stakeholders.
Askelson isn't new to the rodeo; his 20-year track record in government finance spans across numerous management roles with the Arizona Game & Fish Department and several other cities within the state. In fact, before coming to Goodyear, Askelson rode the finance trail through Mesa, Surprise, and Casa Grande.
City Manager Wynette Reed is putting all her chips in on Askelson, saying, "Jared’s experience and attention to detail is so valuable for Goodyear. We are fortunate to have his leadership to leverage resources and to build transparency around the city’s conservative financial planning.” His knack for numbers and policy craftsmanship is hoped to bring a fresh perspective to Goodyear's financial strategies.
A Phoenix native, Askelson isn't just all about crunching numbers; he's got roots that run deep in the West Valley. He polished his accounting knowledge with a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, paving the way for his extensive career in public finance.
