Cedar Park’s new city finance director began work Dec. 14, according to a city news release.

Kent Meredith, CPA, will supervise the city’s 17 finance department staffers, replacing former finance director Joseph Gonzales, who left in July. Assistant Finance Director Aaron Rector worked as interim finance director until Cedar Park City Council on Dec. 3 approved hiring Meredith.

City staffers recommended Meredith based on his experience and master’s degree in human relations, Assistant City Manager Katherine Caffrey said in a Dec. 14 statement.

“It is quite unusual to find a CPA with a master's in human relations, so we felt like we were finding a gem with Kent Meredith,” Caffrey said. “The common theme we heard during the selection process was Kent’s high ethical standards, commitment to accuracy and his ability to work well with governing bodies, staff and senior leadership.”

Meredith is from San Antonio and since 2012 worked as finance director in Jackson, Wyoming. He was finance manager with the city of Peoria, Arizona from 2007-2012, after he retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel after 24 years in the U.S. Air Force. Meredith’s other degrees include a master’s degree in military studies and a bachelor’s degree in business management.

“I’m just looking forward to getting back to Texas,” Meredith said in a statement. “I have family all over Texas and it’s really where I always thought I would end up. I can’t wait to get back here and I can’t pick a better place in Texas than Cedar Park.”