Mayor Jackie Biskupski and Holladay City Mayor Rob Dahle jointly announced that Finance Director Gina Chamness will be leaving her Salt Lake City post to become the Holladay city manager.
“It’s been my pleasure to work with Gina on financial policy, including my recommended FY17 budget. She has given years of professional and dedicated service to Salt Lake City residents, department heads, and elected leaders,” Mayor Biskupski said. “We wish her all the best as she takes this major step forward in her public service career.”
Mayor Dahle said Gina, a resident of Holladay, ultimately topped a list of 27 applicants for the job. “Gina will be the person who helps us guide Holladay for the long term while ensuring we maintain the character of our city,” he said. “She brings a solid breadth of experience in government service coupled with a finance background that will be vital to building our future.”
Gina worked her way up through the Department of Finance, beginning as a senior administrative assistant in 2006. She became budget manager in 2008 and was appointed finance director in 2014. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics and a Master of Public Administration, both from the University of Utah.
“It is a difficult decision to leave Salt Lake City,” Gina said. “But we are in a great place financially, and the recommended budget is setting a foundation for good things. I’ve been watching Holladay City government and thinking about the city manager role for eight years. It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Gina’s last day with Salt Lake City will be May 24, which is also the date for the first of two public hearings on the Mayor’s recommended budget before the City Council. Her anticipated start date in Holladay will be in early to mid-June, Mayor Dahle said.
Holladay has a population of 31,000. Current City Manager Randy Fitts will retire June 16 after 12 years as city manager. Prior to that, he was South Salt Lake City Mayor for eight years and also served on the South Salt Lake City Council.
