The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County have appointed Vanetta N. Van Cleave as the new Chief Financial Officer for St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG), starting October 21, 2024. Van Cleave, known for her vast experience in financial leadership across public organizations and healthcare systems nationwide, is set to bring her robust expertise to the county.
Having previously served in pivotal roles at Ernst & Young Healthcare Sciences Advisory Services, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Alaska, Alameda Health System in California, and North Tahoe Public Utility District, Van Cleave has established a track record of dedicated service. Her career is marked by a commitment to resource optimization, responsible financial management, and sustainability in financial practices.
Van Cleave is a distinguished alumna of San Diego State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance, graduating Magna Cum Laude with Distinction. She furthered her education with a Master of Business Administration focusing on Accounting from the University of California, Davis. Her academic and professional achievements have been recognized through her memberships in the Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma honor societies, and she is an active participant in the Government Finance Officers Association.
Commissioner President James Randy Guy expressed enthusiasm about Van Cleave’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Van Cleave as our new Chief Financial Officer. Her extensive experience and dedication to service will be invaluable as we continue to ensure the responsible stewardship of our resources.”
Van Cleave herself shared her anticipation of the role, saying, “I am deeply honored to join this exceptional leadership team and to be entrusted with the role of Chief Financial Officer for St. Mary’s County. I look forward to supporting the Commissioners and County Administrator in their service to the residents of St. Mary’s County and in implementing their vision for the future.”
For more details on SMCG’s Finance Department and its initiatives, visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/finance.
