Michael Githens appointed as new finance director of Olympia

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney announced Michael Githens appointment as the new finance director at a city council meeting on Tuesday, June 17.  

"He has just a phenomenal background in municipal finance. I am thrilled to add him to our city team," Burney said.  

Githens served as finance director for the City of Shelton, a position he held for three years. He said that leading a finance department in a larger city had been his personal career goal. He credited his experience in Shelton as excellent preparation for managing finances in a larger municipal setting.  

He expressed enthusiasm about joining the city's finance team. He has already begun engaging with the community, attending an Olympia Finance Committee meeting on Monday, June 16, and familiarizing himself with the city's processes by watching previous study sessions and council meetings for the past couple of months.  

Council member Dani Madrone praised Githens for his preparatory work and commitment to the upcoming budget process.

"It sounds like you are the kind of guy who does your homework, which we appreciate," Madrone said.

Mayor Dontae Payne emphasized the critical timing of the new finance director's arrival, particularly given the city's current budget challenges.