The City is pleased to welcome Melanie D. Purcell as Ashland’s next Finance Director. 
After an intensive interview and selection process, Melanie Purcell was nominated by the Mayor to become the next Finance Director.  The City Council confirmed her appointment at their September 1 Regular Business Meeting.     

Melanie obtained a Master of Public Policy degree as well as a Bachelor’s in Economics with a minor in mathematics.  She has held numerous positions in Government Finance over her 25-year career, and she continues to plan an active role nationally with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) serving on a committee on Benefits and Retirement Administration.  Melanie has obtained several certifications in furthering her career, including Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP), and Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP).  Most recently, she served as the Finance Director for the Town of Pecos City, Texas.

Melanie is eager to move with her family to Ashland.  However, she was surprised to learn that Ashland is experiencing warmer temperatures right now than in Texas.  She will be able to have some time to acquaint herself with the City’s finances and be able to lead the biennial budget process from start to finish. 

We would also like to recognize and thank Bryn Morrison has been serving as Interim Finance Director since April. She took over the role when Kelly Madding resigned as City Administrator and Adam Hanks took on the role of Interim City Administrator. Despite the added stress of COVID-19, the City has been running efficiently and is well-positioned for a smooth transition of leadership.   City staff and elected leaders are excited to welcome Melanie to work on September 24.