AURORA – The city is losing finance director Tim Clymer to a small college in Pepper Pike, and the search is on to replace him.
Clymer is leaving to become chief financial officer/vice president of finance and administration at Ursuline College. “It’s certainly bittersweet after spending six-plus years in Aurora, but I’m excited for the opportunity Ursuline College presents,” said Clymer.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have served in this role. I feel like I have improved Aurora’s financial position where possible, and I look forward to watching the next finance director improve it further.”
Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin said the city is seeking applications to replace Clymer. An application form and job description is available on the city’s website – auroraoh.com.
“Tim will be missed,” said Womer Benjamin. “He has brought a new level of professionalism and accountability to Aurora. He helped us weather an uncertain economic future during the pandemic and has helped us to manage federal funds received in its wake.
“He has increased reporting with the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, streamlined processes, greatly improved investment strategy and added additional safeguards to our systems.
“Aurora has earned annual recognition from the auditor of state’s office for financial reporting and transparency, and has maintained an increasingly stronger financial base, thanks to the financial guidance he has provided.”
Clymer succeeded longtime Aurora finance director Bob Paul, who retired at the end of 2015 and passed away in 2021.
Prior to coming to Aurora in December 2015, Clymer was Northfield Village’s finance director, and was clerk/treasurer for Brooklyn Heights from January 2010 to March 2018.
A certified public accountant, he was an interim fiscal officer for Newburgh Heights, and began his career in the private sector at MAI Capital Management LLC in Cleveland, serving from December 2005 to December 2009.
Clymer received an undergraduate degree in business administration from John Carroll University and a master’s degree in business administration from Cleveland State University.
“Aurora remains a AAA-rated community with an exceptionally professional mayor, Council and staff who have been nothing short of impressive to work with,” said Clymer in his letter of resignation.
“I have always striven to deliver value and accountability to our taxpayers, and am proud of our department’s accomplishments during my tenure.”
Among the accomplishments that he cited are:
- Preparation of the city’s first-ever CAFR for 2017, making Aurora eligible for its first-ever certificate of achievement for financial reporting from the U.S. GFOA in 2018, as well as its first-ever auditor of state award with distinction, having received both awards every year since.
- Significant growth in interest income – from $7,820 in the 12 months before he started to $326,507 in the most recent 12 months (peaking at $611,719 in 2019). The increase was primarily attributed to prudent changes to the city’s investment policy and more active management of investment balances.
- Renegotiation of Aurora’s share of Local Government Funds from the Portage County pool in 2018, resulting in an increase of $131,165 per year.
- Fund balance growth from $26.2 million when he began to $3.9 million as of Dec. 31, 2021.
- His participation on the RITA board of trustees and state auditor’s regional advisory board has helped ensure that the financial and audit interests of Aurora were protected at the highest possible levels.
“Aurora remains in great hands with our finance department staff, especially with assistant director Leah Cellura at the helm,” Clymer said. “I appreciate all they have done to help move our department forward during my tenure.
“Over six years ago, the city took a chance on a candidate whose age and experience didn’t check off all the preferred boxes, and I am forever grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve here.
“As I remarked to Council following my house fire in 2019, Aurorans are a special breed who care for outsiders as they would their own, and I truly wish you all nothing but the best.”
Contact the newspaper at auroraadvocate@recordpub.com.
