Grand Junction City Manager Mike Bennett announced Jay Valentine was selected to be the city’s chief financial officer.

Valentine has been with the city for 26 years and was previously the general services director, leading diverse internal service and enterprise operations, including fleet services, facilities management, procurement, solid waste and recycling, golf courses and parking.

As the CFO, Valentine will oversee the city’s finance, information technology and general services departments. This role will be responsible for managing the city’s budget, ensuring the financial health of the organization and supporting long-term strategic planning.

“I am excited to announce Mr. Jay Valentine as the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Grand Junction,” Bennett said in a news release. “This announcement comes after a competitive recruitment process with over 25 capable applicants, and it was clear he was the most qualified with the needed and pertinent experience and the ability to hit the ground running.”

Bennett cited Valentine’s keen financial acumen and operational knowledge, adding, “Jay understands our organization from the inside out and is well-positioned to lead with both vision and practical experience.”

Over the course of his tenure, Valentine has held multiple leadership roles in municipal finance, developing extensive expertise in budgeting, accounting, investment and debt management, financial reporting and internal controls.

According to the news release, “He played a pivotal role in overseeing major capital projects for the city, helping to ensure their successful delivery within budgetary constraints. Valentine has also been a driving force for innovation, spearheading procedural enhancements and system upgrades.”

For example, Valentine led the implementation of the compressed natural biogas initiative, which powers select city vehicles and Grand Valley Transit buses using methane gas, a byproduct of the city’s wastewater treatment process. His efforts streamlined operations and contributed to long-term fiscal sustainability.

“This city has provided me with great professional experiences for over two decades, and I care deeply about its success and the people who live and work here,” Valentine said. “I’m honored and excited to take on this role as chief financial officer. My goal is to ensure that our financial practices not only support the services our community relies on today but also position us for a resilient and forward-thinking future.

“By overseeing finance, IT and general services, I have the opportunity to help align resources, technology and infrastructure in ways that create lasting value for our residents. I look forward to working with our team, City Council and the community to uphold transparency, foster innovation and make responsible, strategic decisions that reflect the priorities of the people we serve.”

The CFO will focus on ensuring fiscal responsibility, strengthening interdepartmental coordination, and advancing innovation through technology and operational efficiency. To learn more about City Services visit gjcity.org.