Mayor Ray O’Connell today announced the nomination of Seth O’Neill as Director of the Allentown Finance Department. 

O’Neill has been employed by the city for over 13 years.  He has served as Operations Manager of the Bureau of Revenue & Audit since January 2015. 

As operations manager, O’Neill supervises 14 direct reports and oversees revenue estimation, tax budgeting and tax policy for the department. 

“Seth has a firm grasp of the intricate workings of the finance department,” said O’Connell.  “He has worked well across all bureaus of the department and took a leadership role in projecting and then reducing the 2020 General Fund budget deficit and cash shortfall caused by the pandemic.”

It is the job of the director of finance to ensure the financial stability of the city by managing all financial functions in an efficient, cost-effective and responsive manner. The finance department oversees long range strategic financial planning and provides city departments and the public with timely and accurate financial information, while assuring clarity and accountability.  

O’Neill holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors and Distinction from Penn State University.  He is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Kutztown University. 

O’Neill would succeed Brent Hartzell who left in February 2020 to become Chief Financial Officer for the County of Galveston, Texas.  City Purchasing Agent Jessica Baraket is serving as interim finance director. 

O’Neill’s nomination now goes to city council for its approval.  Council is scheduled to hold a confirmation hearing on Wednesday, January 20 at 5:30 p.m.

 
Information provided to TVL by:
Mike Moore
Communications Manager
Mayor’s Office
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
 

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