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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | JUNE 1, 2026 5 What's Trending role is intended to help ensure admin- istration initiatives continue moving forward even as leadership responds to unexpected challenges. "We find that there are certain initia- tives that we want to ensure that don't fall through the cracks," Ajayi said. Arulampalam pointed to the recently disclosed $75 million city school budget deficit, as well as two February police shootings, as examples of issues that can quickly consume leadership attention and divert focus from longer-term priorities. The mayor said he wants to main- tain momentum on efforts involving affordable housing, expanded early childhood education, economic development, youth engagement and internal reforms. Shining on a 'large stage' Hartford's search for a new finance director comes as the city enters a new fiscal phase. After narrowly avoiding bankruptcy with the help of a roughly $550 million state aid package approved in 2017 and 2018, Hartford is preparing to take on new borrowing for the first time in years. The city plans to issue $50 million in bonds for deferred infrastructure projects and municipal vehicle purchases. By Michael Puffer mpuffer@hartfordbusiness.com H artford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam's administration is seeking to fill three key lead- ership positions as the city advances major initiatives and prepares for significant financial decisions in the coming year. The city is searching for replace- ments for retiring Finance Director Leigh Ann Ralls and Human Resources Director Marlene Fleeting, while also recruiting for a newly created deputy chief operating officer role. "We've been really intentional in the team we've built here at City Hall and the culture we've built and the diver- sity of experiences that we've built," said Arulampalam, who took office in January 2024. "And I think it's made us a lot stronger as a city." The administration is advertising the new deputy COO role at a budgeted salary of $145,000, although Chief Operating Officer Olusegun "Shay" Ajayi said there is some flexibility for the right candidate. Ajayi said the deputy COO's responsibilities will depend partly on the expertise of the eventual hire, but the Hartford seeks to fill key leadership posts as city enters new fiscal phase The administration is also preparing to submit a five-year financial plan to the state Municipal Account- ability Review Board, or MARB, which continues to help oversee Hartford's finances. "I think it's an opportunity for a great finance mind to shine on a large stage here in the capital city," Arulampalam said. Ajayi said the city is already reviewing applications for the HR director position, which falls under civil service rules. The finance director and deputy COO positions are mayoral appointments. Fleeting, the finance director, is expected to remain in her position until a successor is found, while Ralls, the HR head, is scheduled to retire June 2. "Sooner is always better," Ajayi said of filling the open positions. "Espe- cially for the finance role, I think some overlap there will be helpful." Olusegun "Shay" Ajayi Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam is overseeing several key leadership hires. HBJ Photo | Steve Laschever Our down-to-earth approach has evolved in direct response to the needs of companies like yours. "Building Ideas that Work" © 2011 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing ™ is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. www.borghesibuilding.com | 860.482.7613 2155 East Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790