The City of Duluth has found its new Finance Director in Juanita "Nina" Salinas, a seasoned professional with a storied career spanning over three and a half decades in sectors ranging from municipal government to global industry and strategic consulting. Starting her tenure on Monday, Salinas was welcomed by Mayor Reinert, who praised her diverse background as particularly fitting for the role, stating, "She rose to the top of a strong candidate pool and is remarkably well-suited for the Finance Director position," as noted by the City of Duluth.
Ms. Salinas brings a robust resume, which includes her most recent role as Chief Administrative Officer for San Antonio Council District 6, managing constituent services, zoning, public works, as well as events and outreach, all while supporting the district's review of the city's $4 billion annual budget coordinating work across multiple city departments, as per the City of Duluth. Before this, she honed her leadership abilities as COO and Strategy Consultant for UGO Strategies.
Salinas holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M University, credentials that underline her expertise in finance. City Administrator Matt Staehling recognized the depth and variety of Salinas's experience, noting her track record of fiscal responsibility and a people-first approach to leadership, saying, "Her incredibly varied skillset and leadership style are exactly what the department needs in order to address the City’s unique set of financial opportunities and challenges," as per the City of Duluth.
Moreover, Salinas's bilingual abilities in English and Spanish and her dedication to community service—having served in various capacities like HOA President, nonprofit board member, and dog-rescue foster—are a testament to her commitment to significantly contributing to Duluth's community and its fiscal future. The Duluth City Council made the decision to approve her appointment on November 24, setting the stage for Salinas to guide the city's financial leadership.
