The City of Detroit’s workforce agency, Detroit Employment Solutions Corp. (DESC) recently hired Ira Thompson II as chief financial officer.
In this role, Thompson will serve as a strategic partner to the interim president, executive leadership team, and the DESC Board of Directors. He will provide leadership across budgeting, accounting, grant management, procurement, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls. He also will enhance fiscal processes and align local resources with DESC’s mission and long-term priorities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ira Thompson II as DESC’s chief financial officer,” says Terri Weems, interim president of Detroit Employment Solutions Corp. and special advisor to the mayor on workforce. “Ira brings exceptional finance expertise, strategic insight and a collaborative leadership style that will strengthen the organization as we advance Mayor Mary Sheffield’s vision of economic opportunity for every Detroiter.
“Ira’s commitment to excellence comes at an important time for our organization. His experience will be invaluable in ensuring our financial sustainability, enhancing operational excellence and positioning DESC to maximize its impact.”
Thompson brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience across federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit, and health care-related organizations. He has served as chief financial officer and senior financial executive for multiple organizations, providing strategic leadership through periods of growth, transformation, and organizational change.
“I am pleased to join this workforce development organization that is committed to connecting residents to employment opportunities,” says Thompson. “It is great to return to Michigan to help strengthen the local economy and help to foster a more streamlined business ecosystem.”
DESC also has hired Geraldine “Geri” Mann as budget director and Maleece Barry as fiscal planning and analysis manager.
Mann will provide strategic leadership for the organization’s budgeting, financial planning, grant financial management, procurement oversight, and enterprise financial reporting, helping to support executive decision-making, operational effectiveness, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Maleece will lead the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, cash management, and regulatory compliance, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and accountability of financial resources while promoting audit readiness and sound fiscal stewardship.
