Karen Mushong

The City of Cedar Springs is again looking for another Finance Director.

It was announced last week that current Karen Mushong, the city’s current Finance Director, has been selected to take over that same position in the City of East Grand Rapids.

Mushong was hired by Cedar Springs in November 2011 to take over as Finance Director, when Linda Lehman left to take over the same position in Rockford. According to Cedar Springs City Manager Thad Taylor, her last day on the job is expected to be April 23.

Taylor said the vacancy will be advertised, and he will bring a transition plan to the Cedar Springs City Council for approval on April 11. He said they hope to have someone by the first of June.

“We have a part time Deputy Finance Director/treasurer that will need to do a little more, and coupled with the transition plan I’ve put together, we’ll have it covered,” said Taylor.

Previous director takes job with Rockford

Pictured (L to R) is Mayor Pro-tem Christine Fahl, former Finance Director Linda Lehman, new Finance Director Karen Mushong, and City Manager Christine Burns.

The City of Cedar Springs said goodbye Monday to Finance Director Linda Lehman, after 10 years of service with the city. The longtime Cedar Springs resident recently took a job as the Finance Director for the City of Rockford.
“It’s been tough coming to terms with Linda leaving,” said Cedar Springs City Manager Christine Burns. “She has been a part of the team for 10-plus years and possesses a great deal of knowledge and understanding of the city’s finances. She’s become a great friend as well. On one hand I’m devastated to lose her, but from a personal standpoint, I’m thrilled for her and her family.”
Lehman is being replaced by Karen Mushong, of Comstock Park. She worked at Plante & Moran, PLLC from 1998-2008 as an audit associate/senior manager, and then at Mosaic Properties, Inc. from August 2008 to August 2011 as controller.
“There is comfort in knowing that Karen is stepping into the job with a very strong financial background and Linda left everything in great condition,” said Burns. She also noted that Mushong is fortunate to have a great support staff working with her to make the transition as easy as possible.
Lehman has offered to help as needed but doesn’t foresee needing to come back too often due to Mushong’s experience with Plante Moran.