On August 19, 2021, Mayor Sheldon Neeley announced that Robert Widigan had joined the City of Flint team as the new chief financial officer.
As CFO, Widigan will oversee all aspects of the City’s finances, including preparation and administration of the budget and financial reports as well as accounting payroll, grant reporting, and purchasing.
A Flint native, Widigan is an experienced finance professional having served in key leadership roles with multiple Michigan counties and the City of Lansing, as well as the Michigan Department of Treasury as an analyst in the Bureau of Local Government and School Services.
Widigan attended Mott Community College and graduated from UM-Flint, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance. He took a few moments from his busy schedule to give our readers a few more (perhaps lesser known) facts.
What was your very first job?
I scooped ice cream and washed dishes at a small café in Lennon, MI.
What is your definition of success?
I feel that if you can do what makes you happy, you are successful.
What’s one work-related thing you want to accomplish in the next year?
Flint has received $47,363,332 in federal COVID-19 relief dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) – we need to move quickly and ensure the money is invested wisely, while deploying it smartly and equitably throughout the City of Flint.
What’s your most prized possession and why?
I have a collection of vintage shaving safety-razors and straight razors. Some belonged to my grandfather and father. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Olive Garden salad
How would your friends describe you?
They would say I’m goal-driven and thoughtful – yet, I expect results.
What advice would you have given 17-year-old Robert?
Take your time and be patient; also, go to college year-round from the start vs. taking summers off.
