The city of Key West will lose its chief financial officer on Feb. 28, when Mark Finigan, who oversees the budget and all financial matters in the city, retires.
Key West City Manager Patti McLauchln confirmed Finigan’s pending retirement to the Keys Weekly on Dec. 6, saying, “It’s a tough goodbye. His are big shoes to fill. He has so much historical knowledge and is a pillar of our team.”
Mayor Teri Johnston said, “Mark is one of the most competent, dedicated employees in the City and we will sorely miss him. He has developed an incredible staff to carry on after he leaves and we are grateful as a community for the strong financial position Mark has helped put us in. Nothing but best wishes for this gentleman.”
Finigan could not be reached for comment, but McLauchlin said his retirement is effective Feb. 28.
“It’s just time for his next challenge in life,” she said, adding that he’s retiring to work in the private sector.
“Mark is an incredibly important person in the operations of the city of Key West,” City Commission Sam Kaufman told the Keys Weekly.
“His expertise and historical knowledge related to the budget and operations, both financial and otherwise, will be very difficult to replace. We all wish him and his family all the best in the future, but he will be greatly missed in City Hall.”
Before becoming finance director, Finigan had worked as one of two assistant city managers under former City Manager Jim Scholl. Finigan was the assistant manager in charge of finances and administration while David Fernandez was Scholl’s assistant city manager in charge of operations.
Finigan returned to the city as finance director around 2015 and has been in that position since.
“I hate to see him go, but I wish him all the best,” said City Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover. “He has been a wonderful asset to our city government.” Commissioner Greg Davila added, “Mark has been a great asset to the city and one of the most important voices in all major decisions, especially during very challenging times. I will miss him immensely, even though he’s a Florida State fan.”
Another city departure
The city of Key West also recently lost its FEMA coordinator and floodplain administrator Scott Fraser, who had had the position since 2007. His last day was Dec. 3.
“Scott’s taking an early retirement. He did a good job and I appreciate all he did,” McLauchlin said.
