Maready retires as City of Wilmington Finance Director; Martha Wayne takes the helm

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The City of Wilmington has new financial leadership.

Jennifer Maready retired as Finance Director at the City of Wilmington, a role she held since May 2016.

Maready’s final day at the city was Thursday, December 12.

Wilmington City Council appointed Martha Wayne as the city’s new Finance Director.

Wayne has more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. She most recently served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer for New Hanover County, where she played a crucial role in managing the county’s fiscal operations, investments, debt, grants, and capital projects. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds both a Master of Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Carolina State University.

Before joining New Hanover County, Wayne held several key roles at public accounting firms RSM US LLP and Cherry Beakert & Holland, where she focused on client relationships, audit planning, and staff development.

As the city’s Finance Director, Wayne is responsible for overseeing the City’s financial operations, managing financial reporting, and ensuring the effective use of public funds. She will play a central role in advising City leadership on fiscal policies and strategies.