Costa Mesa City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison announces the appointment of Carol Molina, a 21-year veteran of municipal government, as the City’s new Finance Director.

“I am excited to appoint Carol as the City’s Finance Director. She has served as the Acting Finance Director since April and has successfully guided the Finance Department and the City’s annual budget process during a very difficult time.” Farrell Harrison said. “Her expertise in budgeting and financial management, labor negotiations, and best practices in financial management have proven to be great assets for Costa Mesa.”

Mayor Katrina Foley is also enthusiastic about the news of Molina’s appointment.

“Carol is an experienced and proven leader. I believe she is the right person to lead our Finance Department at this critical time. She has already confirmed her value to the organization with her recent efforts to guide us through the adoption of the 2020-21 budget in the middle of a pandemic,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “We welcome her as an official member of our executive leadership team.” 

Molina has been with the City of Costa Mesa since the beginning of 2020, when she joined the team as the City’s Budget and Purchasing Manager prior to taking on the role of Acting Finance Director in April.

Molina has a wealth of experience in budgeting and financial management with both full-service and general law cities including the cities of Santa Ana, Mission Viejo, and Huntington Beach. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for budget management and excellence.  Her emphasis on long-term financial sustainability and success in managing complex budgets render her uniquely qualified to manage the City’s finances in such a critical time.

Costa Mesa’s Finance Director is responsible for all aspects of the City’s financial management, including oversight of the $160 million budget, payroll, purchasing, audits, financial reporting, and overall fiscal policy for the City. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected for this position and thankful for the opportunity to work with the City’s skilled and talented team.  My experience in municipal finance, along with the knowledge I’ve gained working for the City of Costa Mesa, has prepared me to lead the Finance Department as we embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.” Molina said.

Molina holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the University of California, Davis.