City of Lawrence hires acting Topeka financial officer as new director of finance

photo by: Taylor Bugg, City of Topeka

Rachelle Mathews

The City of Lawrence announced Tuesday that it has appointed a new director of finance.

Rachelle Mathews, who currently serves as the acting chief financial officer for the City of Topeka, will begin her new role with the City of Lawrence on Monday, April 15. Mathews will replace former chief financial officer Jeremy Willmoth, who left the position for a role with the Mid-Continent Public Library — Kansas City, Missouri’s largest library system — in late 2023.

“We’re excited to add another dynamic individual to our City of Lawrence team,” Lawrence City Manager Craig Owens said in the release. “Rachelle has a strong background in public finance and shares our organization’s commitment to sound fiscal stewardship. We’re fortunate to have a leader of her caliber joining our team.”

As finance director, Mathews will oversee the city’s Finance Department, including the annual budget process, and will work with city staff to build and maintain public trust while providing transparent, easy access to relevant and accurate data for decision making.

“As I enter this chapter of my career, I am very much looking forward to growing and learning inside the City of Lawrence,” Mathews said in the release. “This position is more than the numbers. It’s a commitment to serving this vibrant community and contributing to the financial well-being of the organization.”