The City of Redwood Falls has announced the employment of Kari Klages as its new finance director.
Klages, whose tenure officially began August 23, is responsible for planning, directing and administering all of the financial activities for the city. That includes everything from accounting and budgeting functions to coordination of the city’s audit and project management. She also assists the city administrator and city council on long-term financial planning.
Klages earned an associates degree in accounting from the Hutchinson campus of Ridgewater College and then went on to earn her bachelors degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota, Crookston.
“I’ve always enjoyed numbers and was looking for a well-rounded degree that would provide me with many career opportunities,” indicated Klages.
Her career in the world of finance began in Redwood Falls as an office assistant at Central Bi-Products where she worked for three years while she finished her college education. Klages then moved on to serve as an accountant for Renville County Public Health, a role she filled for another three years.
Most recently, Klages served for five years as the finance director for the City of Olivia.
According to Klages, the decision to move into her new position was a growth opportunity for her.
“In my previous position, I was the sole person making up the finance department. This opportunity gave me the chance to work alongside other finance professionals while also stepping into more of a leadership role. I’m very excited to be a part of this team,” she added. “The job has been going great so far. I have enjoyed building relationships with my colleagues, as well as learning all I can about the City of Redwood Falls. Though I have previous municipal experience, every city is different. So, I’m really enjoying learning how things are done here and the goals and visions the city has for the future.”
After growing up in Fairfax, Klages continues to call that community home where she and her husband, Chad, raise their two boys, Carter and Cade.
According to Klages, “Redwood Falls is a beautiful city. The population and size of the organization seemed to be a perfect fit, not too big, not too small. I’m very excited to join the team here and look forward to many years of serving the community of Redwood Falls.”
For more information, visit the City of Redwood Falls Web site at ci.redwood-falls.mn.us or call (507) 616-7400. Klages may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].