HOLYOKE — Holyoke is searching for someone to fill a major new financial management job, on the heels of the City Council approving Mayor Joshua A. Garcia’s Financial Modernization Act.
Hiring a chief administrative and financial officer is part of a larger effort to fix Holyoke’s long‑standing money problems. For years, state officials have said the city’s financial system was outdated, lacked accountability and needed to be more organized.
In a statement announcing the job posting, Garcia said the city is looking for “a dynamic, mission-driven leader.”
The new hire will help modernize how Holyoke manages its money. The job includes bringing several financial offices into one department, creating consistent systems and making sure city departments work well together.
Serving under the mayor, the new employee will oversee all city departments and help manage special projects. The position includes responsibilities such as budgeting, collective bargaining, purchasing and carrying out the mayor’s policies. The person will also advise the mayor, City Council and other boards.
At a press conference this week, Garcia said the city will create a committee to help hire the new administrative and financial officer. He said Holyoke has already made major changes in the Police Department and is now doing the same in the Finance Department.
Garcia told residents to “stay tuned” for possible changes in the Department of Public Works, where he sees “a lot of room for opportunity,” as well as in other city departments.
The job pays between $115,000 and $160,000. Applicants must have strong education and experience. Garcia said the role is a good fit for someone who enjoys solving problems and improving systems.
“If you thrive in complex environments, love improving systems and want to make a lasting impact, Holyoke wants you,” he said.
Holyoke’s financial issues have been building for years. The state froze millions of dollars in local aid because the city failed to file basic financial reports. Treasurer Rory Casey has said the problems are “systemic.”
The Financial Modernization Act passed on an 11–2 vote. As that shows, not everyone agreed with the mayor’s plan.
Some councilors, including former councilor Kevin Jourdain, argued the act gives too much power to the mayor and adds jobs instead of fixing current issues.
Jourdain said city leaders have “run the city’s finances completely into the ditch.” He believes Holyoke should hire a qualified treasurer before adding new roles like the chief administrative and financial officer. City Councilor Linda Vacon agreed.
Garcia said at an earlier press conference the treasurer’s job has not been posted yet because certain structures needed to be in place first. Casey is serving as interim treasurer. Once a chief administrative and financial officer is hired, the city will post the treasurer position.
The modernization act was introduced to committees in April 2025 as a 20‑page proposal.
The council did not approve the final version until Feb. 3, after months of meetings, amendments and failed motions. In total, the council spent 10–12 months trying to move the reform forward.
People interested in applying for the chief administrative and financial officer job can visit Indeed.com or email a résumé and cover letter to Personnel@holyoke.org. The deadline to apply is March 31.