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# New city finance director named
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/new-city-finance-director-named/
- Published: 2003-05-28T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T02:13:00.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Government & Politics, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

It has been announced that Stephen C. Stark will replace Mike Dennis as City Hall’s finance director.

Stark, who is currently working with the city of Santa Clarita, will take over the post in Santa Monica, effective June 30\. Dennis is retiring from the city after 20 years.

Following a national recruitment by executive search firm Bob Murray and Associates, Stark was one of two finalists interviewed by City Manager Susan McCarthy and Assistant City Manager Gordon Anderson. With a strong background in financial and management services and information technologies, Stark has been director of administrative services and city treasurer in Santa Clarita for 11 years, overseeing a $118 million budget and staff of 56.

“Santa Monica will benefit in the coming years from Steve’s experience as a financial manager and his excellent business sense,” McCarthy said. “He has been well regarded by his colleagues and staff in Santa Clarita. I look forward to working with him on the fiscal challenges ahead for Santa Monica, which he is fully capable of meeting.”

Stark has overseen major technological advances, such as the replacement of Santa Clarita’s core financial system, development of its Web site, including e-commerce, and the development of a community-wide technology plan. He designed the city’s first long-range financial plan, developed a fiscal impact model to analyze the financial impact of development and annexations on the city’s operating budget, and has negotiated development agreements, as well as financial incentives for the attraction and retention of businesses.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in Santa Monica,” Stark said. “I’m honored to join an organization that includes an outstanding finance department staff and strong executive management team.”

From 1989 to 1992, Stark was director of management services and internal auditor for the city of Fontana, where he’s credited with being part of the team that helped the community through some very difficult fiscal and organizational times. He spent 11 years prior to that in Arlington, Tex., where he was internal audit manager and assistant internal auditor.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 28, 2003.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/052803.pdf?ref=smdp.com)