December 9, 2015 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Pat Roller will retire from her position as City Controller effective December 31.
Roller has served as City Controller since 2004. She’s been instrumental as the City’s lead financial expert. Working with Mayor Henry as the City’s budget architect, Roller ensured the City’s balanced budgets provided needed services to residents, neighborhoods, and businesses and reflected the City’s position as a leader in economic development, job growth, strong neighborhoods, and quality of life amenities that make Fort Wayne a destination place for families and businesses.
Her extensive knowledge in working with CEDIT, TIF, and other funding streams has made a meaningful difference in the success of numerous projects in our community. Her strong relationships with the Department of Local Government Finance, State Board of Accounts, and other state offices related to city government finance have made Fort Wayne a respected and valued partner across Indiana.
In addition, Roller led Mayor Henry’s Fiscal Policy Group. In 2013, Mayor Henry, Fiscal Policy Group members, City Council, and neighborhood and business leaders worked together on the passage of a financial plan to save money and bring additional revenue to the City. The results have included an increase in the number of police officers and firefighters, record amounts of neighborhood street, road, and sidewalk improvements, and needed enhancements and maintenance to City Parks.
Property tax caps have forced local governments to fund essential services with less revenue. Under Roller’s leadership, Fort Wayne’s proactive fiscal approach to enacting successful financial strategies to ensure sustainability and viability now and in the future has lessened the negative impact in our community.
“I want to thank Pat for her service and dedication to the residents of the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “Pat is a true public servant and professional who committed herself to helping make our City the best that it can be. I appreciate all that she’s done to place the City in a strong fiscal position moving forward.”
“It’s been a privilege to serve as City Controller,” said Roller. “I love this community. Fort Wayne is home. I’m honored to have been part of the progress and momentum that’s occurring in our City. I truly value the experience I had.”
Also today, Mayor Henry named Len Poehler as the new City Controller effective January 1, 2016. Poehler began service with the City in 2004 as Controller for City Utilities. In 2008, the Controller position was renamed Deputy Director of Business Services. Poehler oversaw the finance, GIS, and customer service departments. In addition, Poehler served as Interim Director of City Utilities from August 2007-January 2008.
Poehler was the financial lead on the City’s acquisition of Aqua Indiana’s southwest water utility. In addition, he led strategic financial planning and support for the creation of the Legacy Fund. Poehler also led the implementation of the new billing system for City Utilities, an effort that has enhanced customer service through more efficient technologies. He also designed the financial model and strategy for the City’s consent decree with the federal government to reduce combined sewer overflows.
“Len brings a high level of expertise and experience that will be a benefit to my team and the public,” said Mayor Henry. “I’m looking forward to working with Len as he leads our finance team’s commitment to transparent and professional management of our resources.”
“I’m looking forward to this tremendous opportunity to continue to serve the City of Fort Wayne,” said Poehler. “Fiscal management is critical to the current and future success of our community. I’m honored to be part of an award-winning team.”