The city of Langley has named a new finance director.

Island County’s soon-to-be-former treasurer, Wanda Grone, has been selected for the role. Her term as treasurer is up Dec. 31. Details are still being worked out, but Grone might start in the new year, or even earlier.

Grone’s predecessor, Monica Felici, resigned in April. Unlike Felici, who held dual roles as the city’s finance director and clerk, Grone will only be responsible for the former role. Langley’s citizen-led Finance and Personnel Commission recommended that the clerk position be separated from the role of finance director, which the city council approved.

Langley Mayor Scott Chaplin said in an email to the Record that a total of eight people turned in applications for the position, with seven of the candidates being from Whidbey Island. A hiring committee composed of the mayor, the city’s public works director and members from the finance committee interviewed the applicants.

“We had three very capable top candidates and we felt that Ms. Grone’s experience, skills and leadership were the best fit for the city at this time,” Chaplin said.

The finance director’s annual salary is $97,200. It’s approximately the same salary that Grones makes as county treasurer. As finance director, she will work for a city of about 1,200 people with few employees. As the elected county treasurer, she worked for more than 87,000 people and oversaw an office of employees who handle many complex tasks governed by complex regulations.

Grone’s appointment will be up for a confirmation vote from the city council at its next meeting, which could be Dec. 19 or sooner.