Leigh Ralls, CPA

CFO & Director of Finance

Professional Overview
Leigh Ralls is an accomplished finance and accounting executive with over 20 years of experience driving financial strategy and operational excellence. As the CFO and Director of Finance for the City of Hartford, she is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, driving fiscal discipline, and ensuring the city's long-term financial sustainability.

Experience Summary

Current Role
Leigh has served as the CFO and Director of Finance for the City of Hartford since 2022, where she is responsible for managing a $600 million annual budget and leading a team of 25 finance professionals. In this role, she has implemented enhanced financial reporting systems, optimized procurement processes, and spearheaded the city's successful bond issuance, securing favorable terms and improving the municipality's credit rating.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Leigh served as the Director of Finance for the City of Hartford from 2017 to 2022, overseeing the city's accounting, budgeting, and treasury functions. She previously held the position of Controller for the City of Hartford from 2006 to 2017, where she played a key role in implementing new financial controls and improving the city's financial reporting. Leigh began her career as an Accountant at the Metropolitan District Commission and a Senior Accountant at BlumShapiro, a leading regional accounting firm.

Academic Background
Leigh holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut, where she graduated cum laude. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and maintains memberships with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Connecticut Society of CPAs.

Areas of Expertise

• Public sector finance and accounting

• Financial planning and budgeting

• Treasury management and cash flow optimization

• Debt financing and bond issuance

• Financial reporting and internal controls

• Strategic financial analysis and decision-making

• Compliance and regulatory oversight

Professional Impact
Under Leigh's leadership, the City of Hartford has achieved significant financial milestones, including securing favorable bond terms, improving the city's credit rating, and enhancing financial reporting and transparency. Her strategic expertise and data-driven approach have been instrumental in guiding the city's financial strategy and ensuring its long-term fiscal health.

Conclusion
Leigh Ralls is a seasoned finance executive with a proven track record of driving financial excellence and strategic value within the public sector. With her deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility, she is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful impact on the City of Hartford and its residents.