Vallejo's Finance Chief Moves On

Vallejo has seen a wave of top officials leaving recently. Rekha Nayar, the city's finance director, is the latest to go. She spent nine years with Vallejo before moving to the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. Her last day was Thursday, and she starts her new job next week. Nayar isn't the only one leaving. Sharon Lund, the community engagement manager, recently left. Naveed Ashraf, the IT director, departed in August. Melissa Tigbao, the public works director, left in May. Michael Nimon, the economic development director, left in January. Nayar joined Vallejo in 2016 as deputy finance director. She became interim finance director in January 2019 and was promoted to finance director in March 2019. Before working for the city, she managed international accounting for Williams-Sonoma and Room to Read. During her time in Vallejo, Nayar implemented strict internal controls. She also helped create the city's $200 million annual budget. She led process automation initiatives to make city operations more efficient. Other former Vallejo officials have found new roles. Ashraf is now the IT director in Fairfield. Nimon is the economic development director in Walnut Creek. Tigbao is the public works director in Pacifica. Despite the departures, Vallejo has hired new executives. Robert Briseño was hired as a spokesperson in March. Nalungo Conley became the second assistant city manager in July.