Veteran City Hall Leader Jillian Caldwell Steps Up as Jackson’s New CFO | PRIMENEWSNOW

Jackson’s Leadership: Two Key Roles Still Open

• Jillian Caldwell has been confirmed as Jackson’s new chief financial officer.
• With 20 years in the finance department, Caldwell aims to tackle audit delays and vendor payment issues.
• The search continues for a new police chief and Parks and Recreation director.
• Council members inquired about Caldwell’s plans to enhance financial accountability.

Jillian Caldwell, after two decades in Jackson’s finance department, has taken the helm as its leader.

The City Council unanimously approved Mayor John Horhn’s nomination of Caldwell as the chief financial officer, with one council member absent.

Caldwell’s journey with the city began in 2005 as an accountant, progressing to assistant financial manager and then controller. Her academic credentials include a business administration degree from Jackson State University and an MBA from Mississippi College.

She succeeds Fidelis Malembeka, who served temporarily and will return to his previous role at Piney Woods School.

Addressing Financial Challenges

While Caldwell’s qualifications were praised, council members sought clarity on her strategies to resolve persistent issues like audit delays and vendor payment lags.

Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote emphasized the importance of timely audits, urging Caldwell to prioritize this task.

“Your extensive experience is invaluable, but we need to address the audit delays that hinder our city’s efficiency,” Foote remarked, seeking Caldwell’s approach to this challenge.

Caldwell plans to enhance financial operations by improving internal controls and accountability, noting that consistent daily financial management is crucial to timely audits.

Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley echoed these concerns, urging improvements in vendor payment processes to build trust.

Ward 7 Councilman Kevin Parkinson inquired about Caldwell’s collaboration with the council.

Caldwell expressed her appreciation for the council’s probing questions, emphasizing the need for someone well-versed in city finances to guide future decisions.

Ward 4 Councilman Brian Grizzell asked about her leadership style, reminding her of the importance of being the department’s public face.

Caldwell described her leadership as collaborative, valuing her team’s expertise and encouraging input to resolve issues.

Mayor Horhn highlighted Caldwell’s appointment as part of his strategy to stabilize City Hall, with plans to expedite the audit process. The city’s CPAs aim to complete the 2023 audit by early November.

Remaining Leadership Gaps

With Caldwell’s confirmation, only two department head positions remain unfilled under Horhn’s administration.

The search for a new police chief is ongoing, with Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones serving as interim chief. The city is considering candidates from both within and outside the department.

State law limits Jones’s interim role to 90 days, a deadline the city may exceed as the search continues.

Former Police Chief Joseph Wade retired shortly after Horhn took office.

The Parks and Recreation director position is also vacant, though Horhn indicated a decision is near after a previous candidate withdrew.