The City of Waco proudly announces the selection of Blu Kostelich as Chief Financial Officer, who will also serve as an Assistant City Manager, effective Monday, June 3, 2024. After an extensive search process and thorough evaluation of well-qualified candidates, the selection committee considered Blu’s skills, experiences, and expertise to successfully lead our City’s finances. Throughout 2024, Blu will expand his leadership and management to additional departments in the city. Blu brings over 18 years of service and experience in finance and operation roles, with seven of those in public sector finance. Blu is the President-Elect for the Governmental Finance Officers Association of Texas (GFOAT) and served as both the Treasurer and Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee for GFOAT. Blu recently served as the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Lubbock, Texas, where he managed the Finance, Accounting, Purchasing, Business and Economic Development, Risk Management, Central Warehouse, and Print Shop departments. Prior to his tenure in Lubbock, Blu worked for the City of Bridgeport as the Director of Finance and held roles in the private sector as an Operations Manager for TAMKO Building Products and a Senior Analyst for Lennox International. Blu received his bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his Master of Business Administration with a finance specialization from Southern Methodist University. Blu spent the first five years of his post-graduate career as an Armor and Calvary Officer in the United States Army, including a thirteen-month deployment to Baghdad from 2008-2009. Blu was awarded the Bronze Star and two Army Commendation Medals throughout his service. City Manager Bradley Ford shared, "Blu brings a proven track record of financial stewardship and dedication to public service. I look forward to his leadership and financial acumen as we continue to serve and support the residents of Waco.” Welcome to the team, Blu! #wacotx #wacotexas
Adam Hernandez
2mo
Congratulations, Blu! I have had the pleasure of speaking with him many times and I’m glad to know him. He is a solid individual and his knowledge about municipal finance is amazing. He’s also going to a place that’s special to me. I lived in Waco for 3 years when I attended TSTC for my degree. Love to see this!
Congratulations! Well deserved and they're getting a top tier talent!
The City of Waco has hired an outstanding individual! Congratulations Blu!
Carolina S.
2mo
Congratulations
Bech Bruun
2mo
AAA hire.
Gia Marie Liendo
2mo
Congratulations
Marie Rieger
2mo
Congratulations
Tom Cai
2mo
Congratulations, Blu! Looking forward to catching up in Waco!
Managing Director at Barclays Capital
2moCongratulations. The City of Waco is fortunate to procure your services. Best of luck.