Bloomington, Indiana – Mayor Kerry Thomson has announced a significant transition in the City of Bloomington’s Controller’s Office, signaling both the departure of current City Controller Jessica McClellan and the appointment of Geoffrey McKim as her successor. McClellan, who has served in the role since 2024, will leave the administration later this month to pursue a new professional opportunity, while McKim is set to assume the position in mid-January.
“Jessica has been an extraordinary partner to this administration and our city,” Mayor Thomson said. “She brought deep expertise, steady leadership, and a level of professionalism that set a high bar. Managing the City’s finances is a complex and often invisible job, and Jessica has done it with clarity, transparency, and poise. Bloomington is better for her service, and we are grateful for the foundation she leaves as she takes this next step in her career.”
During her tenure, McClellan oversaw Bloomington’s financial operations, including the city’s annual budgeting process, capital and maintenance fund management, and compliance with state and federal financial requirements. Her leadership helped ensure transparency in city operations and provided residents with clear, accessible financial information. Under her guidance, Bloomington navigated challenging fiscal decisions while maintaining accountability and public trust.
Stepping into the role, Geoff McKim brings decades of experience in public-sector finance, technology, and administration. A longtime Monroe County resident, McKim served sixteen years on the Monroe County Council, the county’s fiscal body, where he helped guide long-term budgeting, tax policy, and financial oversight during both periods of growth and fiscal challenges. His contributions to countywide initiatives, including housing, environmental stewardship, and sustainability, reflect a broad commitment to community development.
Beyond local government, McKim has spent more than a decade supporting the National Park Service’s Recreation Fee Management Program. In this federal role, he managed a national portfolio responsible for over $350 million in annual fee revenue. His work encompassed program management, IT modernization, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems, providing him with extensive experience in integrating technology and financial oversight at a large scale.
McKim has also been active in education, teaching information systems analysis and design at Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Through this role, he has prepared future public administrators to leverage data, technology, and analytical reasoning to enhance public services. His dedication to transparency, public engagement, and strengthening civic institutions underscores his approach to leadership in the public sector.
“Bloomington is moving toward a budgeting system that is clearer, more transparent, and more honest about the choices we face,” Mayor Thomson said. “As we continue our transition to Outcomes-Based Budgeting, Geoff brings the analytical rigor and community-minded approach this work demands. He understands that every dollar we steward must advance the priorities our residents have identified. His experience in finance and his long commitment to Bloomington make him the right leader to guide us through this next chapter.”
The transition plan is already underway to ensure a smooth handoff of responsibilities between McClellan and McKim. City staff and leadership are coordinating to maintain continuity in financial operations while introducing McKim to city systems, priorities, and ongoing projects. Residents can review the adopted 2026 Civil City budget online at bloomington.in.gov/budget, reflecting the city’s commitment to transparency and public access to fiscal information.
Community stakeholders and city employees have expressed optimism about the transition, highlighting McKim’s track record and local knowledge as key assets for the Controller’s Office. His combination of federal, local, and academic experience positions him to navigate Bloomington’s financial landscape while supporting the administration’s broader goals for efficiency and resident-focused budgeting.
McKim’s appointment also comes at a pivotal time as Bloomington continues implementing Outcomes-Based Budgeting. This approach focuses on aligning city spending with measurable results, ensuring that financial resources directly support the priorities identified by residents. By emphasizing analytical rigor, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility, McKim is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the city toward a more transparent and effective budgeting process.
As McClellan prepares to leave, her tenure is being recognized for strengthening the city’s financial operations and enhancing public trust. Her leadership set the foundation for future innovations in financial management, and her work will inform Bloomington’s strategic decisions for years to come. Meanwhile, McKim steps in with a vision to expand transparency, leverage technology, and foster an outcomes-driven approach to city finances.
The Mayor’s office and city staff anticipate that this leadership transition will be seamless, maintaining Bloomington’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and public accountability. With McKim at the helm, the Controller’s Office aims to continue its work in supporting the city’s growth, managing complex budgets, and serving the community with integrity and professionalism.
Residents and interested parties are encouraged to review city budget documents and follow updates from the Controller’s Office to stay informed about ongoing financial initiatives and the transition process. The city emphasizes that maintaining open lines of communication and fostering community engagement remain top priorities during this period of leadership change.
In sum, Bloomington’s Controller’s Office is entering a new chapter under Geoff McKim’s leadership, building on Jessica McClellan’s legacy of expertise and transparency. The city looks forward to continued fiscal stewardship that aligns with resident priorities, strengthens civic institutions, and prepares Bloomington to meet the financial challenges and opportunities of the coming years.
