Politics & Government
San Ramon Names First Director Of Finance
Jennifer Wakeman, who has previously served as the finance manager for several East Bay cities, takes over March 10.
SAN RAMON, CA — San Ramon has named Jennifer Wakeman as its first director of finance, the city announced. Wakeman, currently the assistant administrative services director for the city of Lafayette, begins her new role March 10.
Wakeman brings more than 22 years of experience with public finance, according to a city news release. She began her career in public finance in November 2002, when she was hired as assistant to the town manager of Moraga. She served as Moraga's finance manager from 2003-2005, and took on the additional role of deputy town clerk in 2005-2006. In September 2006, she became senior accountant for the city of Walnut Creek, where she helped the city manage the effects of the 2008 recession. She also served for 10 months as interim finance manager.
In 2014, she served as financial services manager for the city of Lafayette, and in July 2019, she took over as assistant administrative services director. Under her guidance, Lafayette received and maintained the Government Finance Officers' Association award for excellence in financial reporting, the first time the city received the award.
Find out what's happening in San Ramonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
She is currently president of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, an organization she has volunteered for in many different leadership capacities.
She joins San Ramon as its first director of finance. Previously, Finance was a division with the city's Administrative Services Department, but became its own department in October 2024.
Find out what's happening in San Ramonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“I met the City’s leadership team during the interview process and was impressed by their clear determination to collaboratively address fiscal sustainability and community quality of life,” Wakeman said in a statement. “I am eager to learn and manage the financial opportunities and challenges in San Ramon with this experienced team.”
“We are excited to have Jennifer join the San Ramon team," San Ramon City Manager Steven Spedowfski said in a statement. “We are impressed with her experience in municipal finance, proven leadership, and enthusiasm for implementing sound financial practices.”
Wakeman holds a B.S. in finance and marketing from Boston College, and an MPA from California State University, East Bay.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
