City of Cedar Rapids Announces New Finance Director

The City of Cedar Rapids has named Abhijit “Abhi” Deshpande as the City’s new Finance Director, to start on Monday, January 15, 2024.

In his new role, Deshpande will provide administrative oversight to all operations and activities of the Finance Department, which consist of Financial Analysis (budget process, financial planning and reporting), Finance Operations (accounts payable, treasury, payroll, purchasing & contracts, general accounting programs), and Risk Services.

Deshpande recently served as the Budget Director for the Richland County Government in South Carolina. His public service journey began in 2009 as a Research Analyst in the City of Boston. In 2014, the State of South Carolina recruited Deshpande to serve as the statewide Performance Improvement Manager, where he spearheaded the development of a comprehensive, statewide strategic-planning, accountability, and performance-measurement program. Following this role, Deshpande took on the position of Chief Financial Officer at the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. In this capacity, he directed the cabinet agency’s fiscal operations, managing budgeting, long-range planning, accounting, financial reporting, purchasing, and payroll.

“Abhi rose to the top of our national search as the best leader to bring a broad range of financial expertise to the City team,” said City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. “We are pleased to welcome him to the Cedar Rapids community and look forward to his valuable contributions.”

Deshpande takes pride in being a first-generation college graduate and immigrant from India. He graduated magna cum laude from Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. with an MBA degree. Additionally, he holds an M.S. degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass. and a Bachelor of Commerce (Cost Accounting) degree from the University of Pune in Pune, India.

“Cedar Rapids has a reputation for financial excellence, and I am eager to contribute to the City’s financial well-being,” said Deshpande. “I look forward to working with the talented professionals in the Finance Department, with a goal of ensuring financial transparency while effectively and efficiently stewarding taxpayer dollars. My family and I are thrilled to have found a vibrant, welcoming, and diverse community to call our home.”

Moving to Cedar Rapids with his wife, Sunila; a six-year-old daughter; and a three-year-old son, Deshpande is ready to contribute his wealth of experience and knowledge to the Cedar Rapids community.