Oscar Santiago selected as new Finance Department director
October 26, 2023 12:48 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2023) — City Manager David White announced the appointment of Oscar Santiago as director of the Finance Department.
Raised in Santa Monica, Santiago has worked for the city for more than 32 years in various departments, most recently serving as budget manager overseeing the operations, policy development and implementation of the budget and procurement divisions.
Santiago’s appointment follows the retirement announcement earlier this year of Gigi Decavalles-Hughes.
As finance director, Santiago will lead a team of 67 staff in six divisions, including Budget, Financial Operations, Procurement, Revenue and Risk Management. He will oversee the development of an annual citywide budget of $745 million, ensuring the continuation of public services to residents, visitors and businesses through the protection of financial resources.
“Oscar brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and skill to the finance director role,” White said. “His unique perspective and insights will be a tremendous benefit to Santa Monica as we continue to push full steam ahead in our economic recovery.”
During his tenure at the city, Santiago has also served as a senior administrative analyst for the former Community & Cultural Services Department, a principal budget analyst in the Finance Department and principal administrative analyst and administrative services officer for the Information Services Department, leading administrative and fiscal functions for those departments.
Santiago’s extensive experience includes budget management, strategic financial planning, collaborative and inclusive team leadership, innovation and leading programs and initiatives that address council and city priorities with a community-focused approach.
“I grew up in Santa Monica, and was a direct recipient of city services, so I know first-hand the kind of impact the services we provide has on an individual’s quality of life,” Santiago said. “The stewardship of public funds is a critical component to the wellbeing of our community, a responsibility that I take seriously. I look forward to continuing to serve the community and the city organization in this new role.”
Santiago holds a bachelor's degree in economics from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a master’s in public administration from California State University, Northridge.
He will start as director on Dec. 27, with an annual salary of $223,836.
Media Contact
Lauren Howland
Communications and public information manager
lauren.howland@santamonica.gov
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