Khristina Hammill, Finance and Debt Manager, City of Charlottesville
Where were you born (and raised, if different)?
I was born in Hixson, Tennessee. I was raised in Charlottesville.
When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area?
My parents both grew up in the Charlottesville area. They moved to Tennessee for a short period of time but soon returned to Charlottesville and we’ve been here ever since.
What neighborhood do you live in now?
We currently live in Scottsville.
Family (spouse, kids, etc.)?
My high school sweetheart and now husband, Cliff, works for Albemarle County. We have two awesome sons, Tyler (13) and Cole (11).
What is your alma mater and when did you graduate?
I graduated from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia in 1992.
What were you doing before you came to work for the city?
Before coming to work for the City, I was the Administrator of Accounting and Operations for Health Data Services, Inc (HDS). It was my first “real” job after college and at the time, was a relatively new start-up company. It provided me with invaluable work experience and a true appreciation for team work.
Your job title is Finance and Debt Manager – what, in your own words, would you say you do?
I oversee and manage all aspects of the City’s debt including coordinating debt issues, managing the payment of debt obligations and preparation of debt forecasts. I also work on citywide budget issues and special projects as assigned.
What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?
The best part of my job is that I get to interact with all City departments in some capacity. This affords me the opportunity to meet and work with lots of people and it allows me to see and experience the entire City operation.
The most difficult part of my job and municipal finance in general is working to make sure all the pieces of the puzzle fit together to meet needs, policy requirements and long-range sustainability.
How does your job most directly impact the average person?
A strong credit rating and solid financial policies and practices provide limitless opportunities for the citizens and businesses of the City of Charlottesville. It provides for lower borrowing rates for new and improved infrastructure, increases economic development opportunities and adds to the list of qualities that make Charlottesville “a great place to live”. The City is fortunate to have a management team and City Council that is committed to maintaining these high standards.
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the city?
The most interesting work experience that I’ve had while working with the City is working on the bond rating process. It is the City’s opportunity to undergo an independent review and analysis of five main areas: the local economy, financial condition, debt structure, demographic factors and management practices. It also gives the City a chance to perform an internal review and to benchmark with its peers.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I was born in a small community hospital in Hixson, TN. When I was born, I was the only baby in the hospital and thus an instant “star”. Within hours, the nurses were taking me from room to room to visit other patients. As a teenager, I was taken to visit to my birth place and was very surprised to learn that the “small community hospital” was now a veterinary hospital! No wonder I was so special! My mother assures me that it was truly a medical hospital when I was born but inquiring minds have to wonder.
What do you do outside of work hours – hobbies, etc.?
I enjoy cooking, DIY home projects, and spending time with my family.
