Rebecca Campbell has been appointed finance director for the city of Santa Maria following a national search, City Manager David Rowlands has announced. Campbell’s first day in her new post will be May 5.

With a staff of 32, the Finance Department manages the city’s revenues, expenditures, investments, purchasing, accounting, budgeting, including preparation of the $291 million budget, payroll, utility billing, and grants. 

Campbell brings leadership experience from multiple agencies, associations, and from serving in the U.S. Navy. Most recently she has been consulting for San Benito County.

Prior to that she served as the assistant county administrative officer in San Luis Obispo County since June 2021. She was closely involved in preparing and executing the county’s budget, including a $1 billion all funds budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25.

From 2017-21, Campbell served as their chief administrative officer for Kings County after working for the agency for 12 years. While there, she managed the day-to-day operations of all county functions and activities, which fell under the jurisdiction of the Board of Supervisors, including management of a $445 million budget.

Campbell served 10 years in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician; was named Navy Sailor of the Year in 2001; and received multiple medals for her outstanding service.

Campbell holds an MBA.

Campbell has been a member of professional organizations, including secretary/treasurer of the Statewide California Association of County Executives Organization; Operations Board member for Central Coast Community Energy; committee member of Pioneer Elementary School Site Council, and Rotary.

“I am honored to join the city of Santa Maria, and I’m excited to work collaboratively with this team to create a stronger and successful financial future for Santa Maria,” Campbell said.