Following the resignation of former Finance Director Stella Chan and a year of significant turnover at City Hall, Nembirkow is focused on stabilizing the Finance Department's staffing. He recognizes the importance of having a well-trained and capable team in place. By cross-training staff, each employee will be equipped with transferable skills, ensuring that in the event of a staff member's resignation, there is someone available to fill in. This approach not only provides continuity but also enhances the overall efficiency of the department.
For example, Nembirkow has implemented a comprehensive training program where employees learn multiple aspects of financial operations. This allows them to take on different roles and responsibilities, reducing dependency on a single individual for specific tasks. As a result, the Finance Department is becoming more resilient and better able to handle unexpected situations.
Nembirkow believes that there is tremendous room for automation in the city's financial processes, especially in budget-setting. By leveraging financial planning and analysis tools, the department can consolidate disparate information into a single-source database. This eliminates the need for multiple spreadsheets and reduces the time and effort spent on data entry and analysis.
For instance, instead of manually collecting and organizing data from various sources for the budget, the new system allows for real-time updates and integration. This enables the finance team to make more informed decisions and identify areas for cost savings or optimization. With a streamlined budget process, Greenfield can better allocate resources and ensure financial stability.
Nembirkow, a licensed Massachusetts attorney with over 25 years of experience in municipal finance leadership, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Greenfield. His previous roles in Chicopee Public Schools and other regional school districts have equipped him with the skills needed to manage complex financial operations.
During his time in Chicopee, he supervised fiscal management and payroll functions for a district with over 1,100 employees and a $110 million budget. This experience has given him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in municipal finance. In Greenfield, he plans to apply this knowledge to improve the city's financial practices and drive growth.
Mayor Ginny Desorgher commended Nembirkow's appointment, stating that his familiarity with the region and attention to detail are tremendous assets. She looks forward to collaborating with him on the city's financial future.