Lee C. Erdmann, the city of Hartford’s retired chief operations officer, was introduced today as Springfield’s chief administrator, according to a published report.
Erdmann, who retired from the city last July, is scheduled to begin his duties on Wednesday, according to MassLive.com.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno described his newly hired chief administrative and financial officer Tuesday as highly experienced, greatly talented administrator who “knows how to crack the whip.”
Erdmann, 60, of Hartford, will earn an annual salary of $150,000, and received a three-year contract. He has up to one year to establish residency in Springfield, MassLive.com reports.
He has more than 30 years of combined city management, administrative and budget experience in Hartford and Wethersfield, retiring as chief operations officer in Hartford in July.
As Springfield’s chief administrative and financial officer, he will coordinate, administer and supervise all financial services and activities, MassLive.com reported. In addition, he will be responsible for implementing and maintaining uniform systems, controls and procedures in all departments including the School Department.
“The CAFO position provides efficiencies and oversight of the city’s finances and this is especially important when the city is facing difficult financial times,” Sarno said.
The position is mandated by the governor and state Legislature, in the aftermath of Springfield being under a state-appointed Finance Control Board for five years, ending in July. Since July, former control board executive director Stephen P. Lisauskas, filled the chief administrative position on an acting basis and will temporarily remain to assist Erdmann during a transition period of two to four weeks.
Erdmann said he looks forward to the challenge and has a lot of experience saying “no” to department heads on budgetary matters.
His style is to “plan for the worst and hope for the best,” he said
