The City of Greeley today announced the hiring of an experienced, collaborative and strategic leader to oversee the city’s Finance Department. John Karner will join the city following a national search for the position that drew more than 100 applicants.
His 15 years of experience includes finance and leadership positions, from working with and advising White House senior staff for the CFO Council of the U.S. Office of Executive Councils, to directing strategic initiatives for Denver International Airport, to supervising staff in his role with the Department of Finance with the City and County of Denver, and budgeting key initiatives for the City of Chicago.
Karner most recently worked as a consultant supporting the $700 million National Western Center Program to redevelop and expand facilities on the campus in Denver. There, he led strategy development and execution planning of operations for the new campus.
“John is a strategic leader with the proven ability to bring teams together and help organizations advance to the next level,” said City Manager Roy Otto. “He is a rising talent in the field, and I am happy to have him join our executive team.”
As the City of Greeley’s finance director, Karner will be responsible for preparing and overseeing the city’s annual budget. His key responsibilities will include providing leadership and coordination in the city’s administrative, business planning, accounting, and budgeting efforts.
“I am excited to be joining the City of Greeley team and for the opportunity to build upon the great foundation set by the Finance department,” Karner said. “I look forward to collaborating with other city departments to bring innovative best practices to city operations and working in partnership with the city leadership team as Greeley continues its trajectory of growth into the future.”
Karner earned a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, where he also served as president of the Public Policy Student Association. He graduated with honors from Lake Forest College with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science.
He will succeed Robert Miller, who served as interim director of the department while the search commenced. Karner will start with the city Oct. 26.