Changes in Finance Department Leadership

After five years of supervising the town's finances, Patti-Lynn Ryan will have her last day on July 15 as she heads off to Illinois to marry a CPA and find a job in municipal accounting.

"This has been the best job in my career," Ryan said. "It's a very happy time in my life. I'm very blessed; the stars just aligned."

"I realized early on the quality of and professionalism of the staff," Ryan added.

While Ryan announced her resignation in June, she agreed to stay on until mid-July to begin the capital budget process that funds the town's largest projects.

Her replacement won't have to go far to settle into his new job. James Jaskot is Cheshire's deputy finance director who's worked for the town for 13 years. 

"He's a very well respected person with incredible knowledge," said Town Manager Michael Milone. He hired Jaskot after Milone was brought on board as the finance director before becoming town manager.

"The challenge will be to find people to fill his spot; to find someone with the work ethic and knowledge," Milone said.

As of late June, Milone said the town had received 15 applications before the July 1 deadline. 

The deputy's position salary range is from $57,760 to $93,402, according to the job posting. 

Both Jaskot and Ryan are CPAs and have served leadership roles in the Government Finance Officers Association of Connecticut. Ryan was on the board of directors until her recent resignation and Jaskot is a recent past president of the association.

"I've gotten the experience over the years," Jaskot said. He was named the acting finance director twice. "It's fortunate for me the opportunity came up. I enjoy working with the town," he added.

"It's a really well run town and I'm proud to work with other professionals of such caliber," Jaskot continued.

He will supervise about 15 staff members and have less hands-on responsibilities and more oversight, he said.

"He is more than qualified, he has the admiration and respect," of his peers, Ryan said. "I strongly recommended him," she added.

Ryan said the department has always worked as a team. "It doesn't matter what question you ask, we'll get the answer, " she said.