The Cumberland County Finance Committee will meet tomorrow morning (Tuesday, December 12, 2023) at 8 a.m. to discuss hiring the county’s next finance director. Members completed interviews with the seven finalists on November 30 and December 6. The seven include Nathan Clouse, Michael Cole, Aaron Elmore, Brandon P. Phillips, Maria Richardson, Kevin Smith, and Jennifer Turner.

Nathan Clouse is currently an attorney in Cumberland County. He has experience as a chief financial officer for Acute Care Clinics of America, a compliance officer for One Bank of Tennessee, and an accountant for Landsford & Stephens CPA. Clouse has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a juris doctorate in law.

Michael Cole has experience as a president and CEO of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, vice president of business operations at Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Murfreesboro, and director of resource development for United Way of the Ozarks in Missouri. He has a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Aaron Elmore has relevant experience as a regional controller for Action Heating and Cooling, controller and director for accounting for Veritread LLC, and an internal revenue agent for the IRS in Nashville. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Brandon P. Phillips has experience being a staff accountant for Hassell Ray York & Associates, an accountant at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, and an accountant associate for Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration.

Maria Richardson has experience as an assistant controller for Benchmark Hospitality in Chattanooga, an accountant for human resources and payroll for DX Management in Cleveland, Tennessee, and an accounting manager for Tract Manager in Chattanooga. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in accounting.

Kevin Smith has experience as a corporate controller for Filler Companies in Chattanooga, a controller for Storm Power Components, and a senior accountant for TenCate Grass NA. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting, with a minor in pharmacy and computer science.

Jennifer Turner has relevant experience as a deputy clerk with the Cumberland County Clerk’s Office, a staff accountant for Cumberland County, and deputy finance director for the Cumberland County government. She is a certified county finance officer.