Strunk Named New Director of Finance

Huntsville, TN (2012-01-11) Scott County has turned to a native resident of the community and career accounts executive to lead the county's Department of Finance.

Brian L. Strunk, 48, of Knoxville was selected Monday by the Scott County Finance Committee as the county's next Director of Finance. He will replace Carol Lowe, who has served as Director of Finance since September 2010 and announced her resignation earlier this winter.

"I am confident that Brian will be an asset to not only the Finance Department but Scott County as a whole," Scott County Mayor Jeff Tibbals said. "His attention to detail and experience in county policies will be a welcome addition to the staff. I truly look forward to working with Brian through my tenure as County Mayor."

“I was honored to be chosen by the committee and look forward to working with Mayor Tibbals, the County Commission, Finance Committee, Elected Officials and all County Departments,” Strunk said. He also emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration between the finance department and all facets of county government to serve employees, vendors, and the public. “Our commitment will be to provide timely service to all departments and to be good stewards of the county’s resources,” Strunk remarked.

A 1981 graduate of Oneida High School, Strunk completed his degree at Tennessee Tech University in 1986.

He has worked as a capital projects manager, budget coordinator, team leader and key accounts manager at the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB), as well as vice president of infrastructure and water services, project manager, and design engineer for the engineering firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc. in Knoxville.

"The Scott County Finance Department would like to welcome Brian as the new Finance Director," Finance Committee Chairman Mike Slaven said. "Brian brings a good understanding of how county government operates. With his years of service at Barge Waggoner, Brian has dealt with several county governments from all across East Tennessee. He has a great knowledge of the budgeting process, as well as dealing with state and federal officials.

"Brian also brings strong management skills from his prior employment with two different utility companies (KUB and Bluff City)," Mr. Slaven added.

Strunk was among 17 candidates to apply for the Director of Finance position. He was among three finalists selected by the Finance Committee after six candidates were interviewed in a special meeting of the committee January 5, 2012.

Strunk was selected by a 4-0 vote of the committee after a motion by Scott County Mayor Jeff Tibbals and second by County Road Superintendent Dick Sexton. Members Phillip Jones and Sam Lyles were absent. Committee member Paul Strunk abstained from the vote.

Although he will assume duties at the Department of Finance later this month, Strunk's first official act will be to attend Tuesday's monthly meeting of the Scott County Board of County Commissioners.

The Department of Finance is responsible for managing the county's budget, purchasing and payroll, along with other financial matters.