Experienced Municipal Manager To Take Over Lake Forest Finances

Lake Forest has a new finance chief.

On Monday, it announced the appointment of Keith D. Neves as the city's new finance director/treasurer.

He is taking over the position from .

Neves is a "proven financial professional with great experience,” wrote Lake Forest City Manager Robert Dunek in a press release.

“We believe Keith will provide the vision and skills necessary to lead our Finance Department," Dunek said.

The Mission Viejo man was selected from a field of more than 50 applicants, according to the city press release.

Beginning Oct. 17, Neves will direct, plan and oversee the work of the Finance Department, including accounting, purchasing, contracts, treasury, budgeting, and financial reporting; develop recommendations on various financial, accounting and investment matters; and serve as a member of the Executive Management Team.

Neves began his career in 1999 as an accountant with Los Angeles County. 

In 2001, he joined the city of Tustin as a senior financial analyst.

Since 2007, Neves has managed the finances for the city of La Palma.

He earned an accounting degree from California State University, Fullerton and belongs to the Government Finance Officers Association, the California Municipal Treasurers Association, and the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers.