Governor Steve Beshear has a slew of them in his administration. Now Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson is following suit: rehiring folks who are already collecting retirement benefits from a public agency. Abramson has hired his retired budget director, Jane Driskell, to head a new financial management agency in Metro government:
Mayor Jerry Abramson has appointed the city's former Chief Financial Officer, Jane Driskell, to oversee the city's financial management and improve government efficiency as director of a newly merged agency, the Office of Management and Budget.
The Office of Management and Budget combines the city's Finance and Administration Department with the Office of Policy and Management.
"Jane has an extensive knowledge of government administration and budgeting that's difficult to match," Abramson said. "At a time of national recession and shrinking city budgets, we need her expertise more than ever."
Abramson said Driskell's first assignment will be to work with department directors and Metro Council members to find ways to further decrease government spending and maintain basic services in the upcoming budget.
Driskell retired in November 2008 after more than two decades of public service, including deputy mayor of the former City of Louisville and director of administrative services for the Kentucky Justice Cabinet. She has been helping as a part-time, unpaid volunteer over the past two months.
In addition to leading the city's new OMB, Driskell will play a key role on the mayor's Louisville at Work team, which is prioritizing spending of the city's share of federal job-creation dollars in the stimulus program. Driskell's focus is on accountability and oversight requirements.
Driskell's salary was $110,848 when she retired last year. She will earn $95,000 in the new, expanded role.
Kevin Moore, who has been serving as interim chief financial officer, will continue to oversee day-to-day financial management under a new title, controller. Daniel Frockt will continue as budget director.
Mary Gwen Wheeler, who had served a dual role as both director of the Office of Policy and Management and senior advisor for education, will now focus primarily on her education role, which include coordination with Jefferson County Public Schools, University of Louisville and other local education institutions, and continue