February 5, 2018 - Mayor Tom Henry today announced Len Poehler will retire from his position as City Controller effective March 30.
Poehler has served as City Controller since January 2016. Under Poehler’s leadership, the City has strengthened its cash reserves, benefitted from enhanced long-range financial planning and earned recognition as one of the best-run cities in the country.
Poehler also oversaw Mayor Henry’s Fiscal Policy Group II, which worked collaboratively with City Council and community leaders on the passage of a financial plan to save money and bring additional revenue to the City. The results have included an increase in the number of police officers and firefighters, record investments in neighborhood streets, roads, sidewalks, alleys, riverfront development and enhancements and maintenance to City Parks.
Poehler began his service with the City in 2004 as Controller for City Utilities. In 2008, the Controller position was renamed Deputy Director of Business Services. In addition, Poehler served as Interim Director of City Utilities from August 2007-January 2008.
Poehler was the financial lead on the City’s acquisition of Aqua Indiana’s north and southwest water utilities. In addition, he led strategic financial planning and support for the creation of the Legacy Fund. Poehler also led the implementation of the new billing system for City Utilities, an effort that has enhanced customer service through more efficient technologies. He also designed the financial model and strategy for the City’s consent decree with the federal government to reduce combined sewer overflows.
“Len has been an excellent finance leader for the City of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “I appreciate and respect his attention to detail and commitment to developing and implementing best practices to move Fort Wayne forward in the right direction.”
“I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to serve as the City Controller,” said Poehler. “I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made and have positioned Fort Wayne as a community with a sound fiscal policy that ensures sustainability and viability for many years to come.”
Also today, Mayor Henry named Garry Morr as the new City Controller effective April 2.
Morr currently serves as Deputy Director of Finance and Administration for the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department; a position he’s held since 1991. Morr is responsible for all business functions of the Parks & Recreation Department including budget, finance, payroll, cost center accounting, capital improvement planning, management information systems, and grant administration. He also oversees the marketing division including development, market research, publications, and promotions.
Prior to joining the City, Morr served as an auditor for the Indiana State Board of Accounts. He holds a designation as a certified government financial manager from the Association of Government Accountants. Morr has nearly 40 years of experience in government finance.
“I’m looking forward to Garry joining our leadership team,” said Mayor Henry. “Garry’s experience and expertise in financial management and leadership will assist us in our ongoing commitment to being fiscally responsible and a point of destination community.”
“This is a great opportunity to assist Mayor Henry and his leadership team in continuing the momentum and investments we’re seeing in Fort Wayne,” said Morr. “Fiscal management is a critical component of being a successful city that meets the needs of residents and businesses.”