Ankeny School District CFO Resigning to Take Finance Job for Iowa City Schools

The chief financial officer of is leaving his position to take one with the Iowa City Community School District.

It was announced this morning that Craig Hansel, who has served as Ankeny's CFO since 2007, will assume the position of executive director of business resources and organizational effectiveness with Iowa City schools effective July 1.

Hansel joins the Iowa City School District after the resignation of Paul Bobek, the district's executive director of administrative services, back in January. Bobek's position has since been split into multiple postions.

“I’m very proud of the work we’ve done in Ankeny," Hansel said in a press release issued by the Ankeny School District. "We finished the development of a long-range master facility plan for the district and have accomplished a majority of projects in that plan."

"It’s been an extremely complex puzzle, but we’ve managed to put together the financing pieces behind it. I really believe we developed a plan that had the best long-term interests of the students and the community at heart," Hansel said.

Before coming to Ankeny, Hansel was the director of business affairs for Cedar Falls Community Schools from 1989 to 2007, as well as the business manager of Fort Madison Community School District from 1987 to 1989.

Ankeny Superintendent Matthew Wendt said Ankeny's loss is definitely Iowa City's gain.

“Craig Hansel is one of the finest school finance experts in our state, and few understand the intricacies of Iowa school funding like he does," Wendt said. "Craig took over the financial reins of the district at a very difficult time and has us on the path of financial stability.”

Hansel said he appreciates the relationships he's built while working for the Ankeny school district.

"I’m proud to have been able to work with and educate members of the community, taxpayers groups and staff," he said.

Once Hansel begins his new role in Iowa City, he said he plans to work to build trust and credibility with the community and instill confidence in the finances of the school district.

According to the release issued, the Ankeny school district will immediately begin the search for a new CFO to start July 1.