Former Sedona Finance Director Cherie White departed her employment with the city of Sedona on April 18.
White, who had joined the city in November 2015, had been assigned to work from home in February following the launch of an internal investigation into her conduct as department head.
“The ongoing investigation is not connected to her personal decision to resign; she notified [Sedona City Manager] Karen [Osburn] briefly by email on April 7, which was prior to my arrival, providing two weeks’ notice that ended on April 18,” new City Manager Anette Spickard stated on May 9. Spickard started in the post on April 8 after Obsurn retired.
“I am incredibly sad to say that I am resigning my position with the city of Sedona,” White wrote in an email to council and staff on April 9. “There have been some very significant personal things happening within my family, and my husband and I have decided it is best to be able to focus more on family needs. I have very much enjoyed working for the city of Sedona and with each of you. My last day will be April 18.”
White’s LinkedIn page has been deleted since her departure from the city.
City staff posted the opening for White’s job on April 16, with a salary range of $129,417 to $176,280. During the previous year, White was earning $164,335. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and a minimum of four years’ experience in government accounting with at least three years’ experience as a supervisor.
White’s departure was not announced prior to the April 18 City Council budget work session, when White, following the conclusion of her presentation on the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, told the council, “Thank you all very much. I really enjoyed working with you.”
At a City Council meeting on May 14, Spickard announced the hiring of Jean McGann, of St. Paul, Minn., as interim finance director pending the selection of White’s permanent replacement.
In other city staffing changes, principal planner Cynthia Lovely will be retiring in the near future.
