Today, Modesto Interim City Manager Joe Lopez announced the selection of DeAnna Christensen as Director of Finance and William Wong as Director of Utilities. Both had been assigned those duties on an interim basis while a formal recruitment took place.
Christensen and Wong “proved they are capable of leading their respective departments and have provided much-needed stability in our organization,” said Interim City Manager Joe Lopez. “I have great confidence in them, and know they will provide the leadership and innovation necessary to move the City forward.”
DeAnna Christensen has nearly 15 years of experience in local municipal government finance; six years at the City of Tacoma in Washington State and eight years at the City of Modesto. Christensen was the Accounting Manager before appointed as the Acting Director of Finance. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, with a minor in Accounting, from the University of Washington.
Will Wong started his water and wastewater engineering career in Texas in 1994. He returned home to Modesto in 2001, where he has been employed by the City ever since, first as Assistant Civil Engineer, then Deputy Director, then Engineering Division Manager. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Davis.
As Director of Finance, Christensen oversees the city’s accounting and investment functions, administration of the budget, and purchasing. Her Salary will be $139,000. As Director of Utilities, Wong oversees water and wastewater operations and maintenance, utility engineering, water resource planning, and environmental compliance. His salary will be $175,000.
About the City of Modesto
In the heart of the California’s Central Valley, the City of Modesto has a population of over 210,000 residents. The City Council’s vision is to build a vibrant infrastructure and sustainable environment; a healthy local economy and great quality of life; effective, responsive, and transparent government; and great safe neighborhoods.