Heidi MacDonald has been appointed as the acting finance director by the city of Yelm, replacing Joe Wolfe. She is expected to fill the position permanently, city officials said.

Originally hired as the senior accountant for Yelm in 2017, MacDonald helped the city reach accomplishments in the finance department, such as earning the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Award, which was given to the city for transforming its budget into a comprehensive document that is guided by the city’s mission, vision, values, goals and financial policies, according to a city of Yelm press release.

“Her expertise was instrumental in working alongside the State Auditor’s Office to ensure that all financial records were updated and consistent with the City’s bank accounts, leading to an unmodified opinion for the fiscal years 2015 through 2017,” the press release states. “She will continue to run point in working with the State Auditor for the 2018 audit, which is scheduled for the end of July.”

In addition to holding the finance department to a high level of performance, she will provide city council with quarterly budget updates and monthly reports.

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting for Eastern Oregon University, and having also earned a degree in leadership and organization, MacDonald brings necessary experience in preparing and presenting financial reports, the city said.  

“Heidi’s team mindset will help renew the spirit of teamwork across our dedicated team of city employees and her experience will keep us on a positive path going forward,” the press release states.

Wolfe left the position in May after an investigation by the city focused on whether he had exhibited threatening behavior. The results were inconclusive.