Atherton has hired a permanent finance director: Robert Barron III, who comes from the city of Millbrae, where he was financial services manager.

Mr. Barron, who began his Atherton job Oct. 9, has experience as an assistant city manager and finance director in the California cities of Huron and Coalinga, said Theresa DellaSanta, Atherton's interim city manager, who appointed Mr. Barron, and made the announcement Oct. 10.

Before his seven years of government service, he worked in the private sector as a senior assistant controller and senior accountant, Ms. DellaSanta said. He has bachelor's degrees in finance and economics from the University of Notre Dame.

Mr. Barron succeeds Debra Auker, who was hired as interim finance director in December.

Approximately 40 people applied for the permanent finance director job, and the town narrowed the list to six, Ms. DellaSanta said. In August, they were interviewed by a panel made up of Atherton Public Works Director Mike Kashiwagi, Interim Finance Director Debra Auker, and San Carlos Assistant City Manager Brian Moura. That panel agreed on three candidates.

Ms. DellaSanta, Police Chief Ed Flint, and Mayor Bill Widmer interviewed the top three candidates, and Ms. DellaSanta offered the position to Mr. Barron.

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