DeWayne Pitts will join city staff at Bainbridge Island City Hall as the city’s new finance director.

Pitts will fill the position that has sat vacant since October 2018, when Ellen Schroer was promoted from finance director to deputy city manager.

Pitts, who is currently the director of finance for Bremerton, will start work on Bainbridge on May 30.

“I’m very pleased that DeWayne will be joining our team,” said City Manager Morgan Smith.

“He brings a wide range of public sector experience across many aspects of accounting and budget,” Smith added. “Based on his leadership in other roles, I know he will continue to build on our commitments to strong financial stewardship, transparency and forward-looking financial practices.”

City officials said Pitts has more than 30 years of experience in finance. He has worked for the city of Bremerton since 2017, and has also held leadership positions with the Washington State Auditor’s Office, the King County public health department and the King County Sheriff’s Office.

A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in business administration, Pitts is a certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner.

Pitts, a Bainbridge resident, will manage the city’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services, which provides accounting, front-desk reception, budget and financial policy and planning services to city departments, the city council and the community.

“I am very excited and humbled at the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to the community where I live,” Pitts said.

“I look forward to working with city staff, council and residents to ensure a bright and sustainable future for Bainbridge,” he added.