Mayor's Office
News Release

Contact: Jeff Fleming, 414-286-8580
For release: Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Mayor Selects Alderman Nik Kovac to Serve as Budget Director

MILWAUKEE— Mayor Cavalier Johnson has selected Nik Kovac to serve as Budget and Management Director.  That appointment was formally submitted to the Common Council this week.

Alderman Kovac was first elected to the Council in 2008 and, during his tenure there, has served on the Finance and Personnel Committee – including stints as Committee Chair and Vice Chair.  For the past six years he has been a member of the Employees’ Retirement System Board and is currently the Vice Chair of the Investment Committee there.

“I have known Nik as a trusted and knowledgeable colleague.  His perspectives on the financial issues Milwaukee faces have always been valuable to me.  I am very pleased he has accepted the invitation to join my administration,” Mayor Johnson said.  “City government faces challenging fiscal issues, and I am confident Nik will help put our government on a sustainable path forward.”

Kovac is a proud alumnus of Milwaukee Public School’s Riverside University High School.  He graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in Mathematics in 2000.

Current Budget and Management Director Dennis Yaccarino submitted his resignation to the Mayor last week after more than three decades in city government.

“Dennis has earned our respect during his many years of service in the city’s budget office.  He has always been a steady and calm presence, and his work has kept Milwaukee in the best possible financial condition.  I wish him the very best in the next chapter of his career,” Mayor Johnson said.

Kovac’s nomination is subject to Council confirmation.  He will vacate his aldermanic seat once he starts his new position.

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