City of Blaine hires new finance director

The city of Blaine recently hired Jennifer Spidle as finance director.

Spidle has 17 years of private and public accounting experience, most recently starting her own company, Spidle Office Solutions, in Custer in 2019.

Her work spans nonprofit accounting, homeowner association accounting, cash flow planning, auditing, water systems, tax preparation and internal controls and policies.

“I’m happy to be here and to bring my skill set to this position,” Spidle said. “I look forward to learning the nuances of government accounting, and achieving the goals of the council and community members so we can continue to have a sense of pride, ownership and growth.”

Spidle has focused on managing the finances of homeowners associations (HOAs), and managed the Sudden Valley Community Association when it was the largest HOA in Washington state.

She likened large HOAs to small cities as they often have their own roads, utilities, parks, maintenance departments and recreational amenities.

Originally from Anacortes, Spidle earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Western Washington University in 2010 and shortly after became a certified public accountant.

Spidle said she saw working for a city as the next logical step in her career and liked that Blaine reminded her of her hometown.

Blaine City Council approved Spidle’s contract on July 8. Per the agreement, Spidle’s salary will start at $140,000 annually, with an increase to $147,000 slated January 1 if performance goals are met.

When she’s not working, Spidle said she enjoys spending time with her two children, listening to music and dancing.