Santa Barbara City Finance Director announces retirement

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara's fiance director Robert Samario announced he will retire from his position.

Samario worked for the city for 24 years, according to a news release from the city.

Samario coordinated the development of the City's two-year financial plans and annual budgets.

He also provided oversight to the divisions of Treasury, Accounting, Risk Management, Purchasing, and Environmental Services. He managed 47 employees and a $6 million department budget.

“It has been an honor and pleasure to work for the City of Santa Barbara for the last 24 years,” said Robert Samario. “The City does great work on behalf of the community and I am proud to have worked with so many talented people dedicated to making the City a great place to live and visit. I am looking forward to the next chapter working in the private sector providing services to local governments, which is where my career started.”

A recruitment process will be conducted to fill the executive position. Finance and Treasury Manager Jennifer Tomaszewski will serve as Interim Finance Director while the recruitment is underway.