Loveland CFO named finance professional of the year

LOVELAND — The Colorado Government Finance Officers Association has recognized Brian Waldes, chief financial officer for the City of Loveland, as its 2024 Finance Professional of the Year.

Waldes was presented with the award during the CGFOA annual meeting on Nov. 21 in Colorado Springs.

The award is presented to individuals who have made a significant impact within their organization, achieved success in their organization’s growth and shown exemplary leadership skills throughout their careers.

According to the association, Waldes was nominated for his leadership in guiding the City of Loveland through significant financial challenges, including budgetary impacts resulting from the removal of food for home consumption from the city’s sales tax base. Waldes led his team through its first-ever budget transparency and outreach campaign, engaging more than 35 community groups and providing education to residents and businesses about the city’s financial structure, processes and current fiscal situation. Through public meetings and attendance at numerous communitywide special events, he and his team worked to connect with Loveland residents, answering questions and gathering feedback.

“I am humbled by this recognition from the CGFOA, and accept this award on behalf of our finance team,” Waldes said in a prepared statement. “This was a team effort, and it is just the beginning of meaningful conversations between our city and our citizens. This journey is about open communication and transparency and will be an ongoing effort to gain the people’s trust. I am honored to play a part.”

Waldes was hired as Loveland’s chief financial officer in January 2022. In that role, he leads the Finance Department, overseeing the city’s budget, financial and policy planning, coordination with the city manager’s office and city council, and the 49-person finance team that manages utility billing, sales tax collection and auditing, budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, financial reporting and more.

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