Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions (TSTS) is pleased to announce the successful recruitment of the next Finance Director for the City of Needles, marking the conclusion of a particularly competitive and challenging search. Through close collaboration with City leadership and a strategic marketing effort, TS Talent Solutions identified a candidate whose experience, leadership style and values align with Needles’ vision for the future.
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in financial management, accounting and public-sector operations, including over a decade in senior leadership roles, Mark DeMay is a seasoned professional with a strong foundation in governmental finance. He most recently served as CFO/Director of Financial Services for the City of Laredo, TX. Mark holds a Master of Accountancy with a concentration in Governmental Accounting, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) and multiple associate degrees. He is a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) and previously served as a Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) and Public Funds Investment Officer in Texas. Known for his integrity, collaboration and results-driven leadership style, Mark has also contributed his time to nonprofit boards in both San Diego and Los Angeles.
“We are confident that Mark’s depth of experience and strong leadership skills will greatly benefit our City and the community,” said Needles City Manager Patrick Martinez. “We appreciated TSTS’ strategic guidance throughout this recruitment. Their team was responsive, professional and provided valuable insight throughout the process.”
Led by TSTS Executive Recruiter Christine Martin and supported by Senior Recruitment Coordinator Kylie Sun and Assistant Recruitment Coordinator Julia Gale, the TSTS team deployed a full suite of marketing and outreach strategies designed to capture the attention of municipal finance professionals across the region. These efforts included a custom-designed recruitment brochure, targeted candidate research and direct outreach and a social media campaign. A key focus of the recruitment was authentically telling Needles’ story. Working hand-in-hand with the City, team TSTS highlighted Needles as a vibrant community and a distinctive place to live, ensuring prospective candidates saw both the leadership opportunity and the lifestyle the City offers.
“Mark’s depth of experience in municipal finance, combined with his thoughtful leadership style, made him an exceptional candidate for this role,” said Christine. “It was a pleasure to support the City of Needles during this recruitment. The City Council and leadership are fantastic and deeply committed to making Needles a great place to live and work. We truly enjoyed the partnership, and we’re confident Mark will be a strong asset to the City.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Needles,” said Mark. “I look forward to working alongside the Council, City staff and the community to support Needles’ financial health and long-term goals. The TS Talent Solutions team was professional and proactive throughout the entire process and their communication helped make the experience seamless.”
About TS Talent Solutions
TS Talent Solutions is a California-based executive search and talent development organization focused on the local government sector. A division of Tripepi Smith, TS Talent Solutions leverages the expertise and digital acumen of its parent firm to deliver next-generation recruitment solutions for public agencies. The quest for talent never ends, but progress is made with TS Talent Solutions.