Medford Appoints Interim Finance Director

MEDFORD, MA — Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn has appointed an interim finance director while the city searches for a permanent candidate to fill that role.

William Fowler, a former municipal treasurer with experience in financial management, has served as a consultant and interim treasurer in various communities since his retirement.

"The finance director/auditor is a critically important role, and as we continue to actively pursue all avenues to fill the permanent role, we are very thankful that Mr. Fowler has agreed to step into the role on an interim basis to make sure our financial needs are met and that critical city processes and projects can continue as normal," Lungo-Koehn said in a statement.

Fowler was appointed earlier this month, filling the role left vacant after Aleesha Nunley Benjamin's departure in July. Nunley Benjamin alleged a hostile work environment on the part of Lungo-Koehn and former chief of staff David Rodrigues.

The mayor has denied saying a "white man should present the budget" to the city council, and an investigator found that "neither Mayor Lungo-Koehn's nor Mr. Rodrigues's conduct is in violation of the City’s anti-harassment policy," a spokesperson for the city said.

Lungo-Koehn was knocked repeatedly during the mayoral debate for being without a finance director for three months. Her challenger, City Councilor John Falco, said leaving that role unfilled was "slowing down numerous financial decisions that need to be made by this community."