Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer has appointed City Comptroller Chris Baldwin to serve as Acting Finance Director after the resignation of Finance Director Solomon Steplight – effective as of Sunday.
By Katherine Guest/Hudson County View
Director Steplight decided to declare his leave of office to pursue a position as the COO/CFO of the national nonprofit organization, Girls Who Code. Girls Who Code thrive on closing the masculine and feminine chasm between gender and technology.
“It was a privilege to work with the citizens, administration and council in Hoboken,†Steplight said in a prepared statement.
“As someone who has always been passionate about uplifting communities, I’m excited to join Girls Who Code as COO/CFO to create more opportunities for girls to thrive in technology. My experience in Hoboken will be invaluable as I take on this new challenge.â€
In the tenure as director, the credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s issued Hoboken a credit rating of AA+, the second highest rating, from the prior junk bond rating assigned in 2007. Director Steplight also administered several park and project improvements to help rehibilitate facilities and climb out of fiscal debt within the city – which saved Hoboken $1.5 million.
“Solomon helped right our fiscal ship and build the strong financial foundation we enjoy today, and I can’t thank him enough for his service to our community,†Mayor Dawn Zimmer said in a written statement.
“Every step of the way, Chris has been part of that important team effort to restore our fiscal health, and I appreciate him taking on the role of Acting Director through this transition period.â€
As Baldwin takes the reigns in an acting role, Zimmer and the city of Hoboken begin their search for a new finance director.
