Hernando County Government has selected Stephanie Russ as its Office of Management and Budget director. Russ, a Hernando County resident, has a bachelor’s in business administration from St. Leo University.

Hernando County selects budget director

She has spent the past four and a half years working for Clay County Government as its budget director. Russ has over thirty years of governmental finance experience with a concentration on budgeting and cost accounting. She is adept at identifying deficiencies, creating solutions for successful financial planning and budgets conservatively.

“I have enjoyed working with the excellent staff at Clay County Government and will always be thankful for my time there,” Stephanie Russ said. “I am very excited for the opportunity to serve the Hernando County community and look forward to starting my new role on May 20.”

Russ’ primary areas of responsibility will be:

• Direct the development, implementation, management and reporting of the County’s annual budget
• Provide management, oversight and evaluation of financial projects and their financial implications to the County
• Direct the development, monitoring and reporting of the County’s five-year capital improvement

“I look forward to working with Stephanie to continue making great things happen in Hernando County,” Acting County Administrator Jeff Rogers said. “I am confident in her experience and skill level to carry out the duties of this important position.”

One internal and six external applications were received for the position. After careful and deliberate review of the applications, administration determined that one internal and four external individuals met the criteria to proceed to the interview process. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with all five applicants. This process led to the selection of Russ as the most qualified candidate.

Russ’ first day will be May 20, 2019. Her salary will be $102,148.80.