Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Tuesday he has appointed the city controller’s chief deputy to lead the Office of Finance.
Claire Bartels currently works for Controller Ron Galperin, but also served as chief deputy for the previous controller, Wendy Greuel.
If confirmed by the City Council, Bartels would replace Antoinette Christovale, who recently retired as general manager of the Office of Finance after 16 years with the city.
The Office of Finance handles tax collection, cash management and short- term investments.
“Claire brings institutional knowledge, years of experience running complex operations and fiscal management expertise to the Office of Finance,” Garcetti said. “Her knowledge and understanding of customer service, and her commitment to transparency, give her the tools necessary to enhance and modernize the department.”
Bartels began her career with the city 30 years ago in the General Services Department, which manages city facilities. As part of the Controller’s Office, Bartels was in charge of launching a new financial management system and ControlPanelLA, an open financial data portal.
Galperin said Bartels has been a “a catalyst for change and transparency” while part of his staff, “and her appointment will only serve to further strengthen the partnership” between the Finance Department and the Controller’s office.
Bartels said she was “honored” by the appointment to lead “a department that plays an important role in the mayor’s vision of a well-run and fiscally sustainable city government.”
“I look forward to working with the mayor, the controller, and stakeholders to modernize the department,” she said.
Garcetti also thanked Christovale for her service, saying she “made history as the first African-American woman appointed as general manager of the Office of Finance.”
Deputy Mayor Matt Szabo will serve as the interim general manager of the Office of Finance while Bartels’ confirmation and her transition between the controller’s office is pending.
–City News Service