The City of Independence today announced the hiring of Bryan Kidney as the new Director of Finance and Administration following a nationwide search. This position oversees Human Resources, Finance and Technology Services for the City. Assistant City Manager Lauren Palmer had been acting director following a reorganization of the previously listed departments in May.
“Bryan was the unanimous choice of everyone involved in the selection process,” City Manager Zach Walker said. “His demonstrated success with improving efficiency, productivity and team morale make him the ideal candidate for this important leadership role in Independence. Bryan will make great contributions toward the Independence for All goals of customer service and financial sustainability.”
Kidney comes to the City of Independence from Lawrence, Kan., where he has acted as Director of Finance/Treasurer since 2015. His 25-year career includes a mix of municipal government and private sector positions.
“I was so impressed by the staff team in Independence and the vision outlined in the City’s strategic plan,” Kidney said. “I look forward to putting my skills to work to develop and improve the City’s core internal services of finance, human resources and information technology.”
Kidney graduated from Emporia State University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting. He began his career as a Staff Auditor with BT & Co., P.a., and has since worked as Director of Finance & Operations for Pottawatomie County, Assistant Finance Director for the City of Manhattan, Director of Finance/Interim City Administrator for the City of Gardner, Kan., Director of Finance/Treasurer for the City of Shawnee, Kan., and Vice President/Municipal Advisor at Springsted, Incorporated. He is active at both the National and local level of the Government Finance Officers Association, serving in leadership positions in the Kansas and Eastern Kansas Chapters. Kidney is married with three adult children.
