Photo Courtesy City of Annapolis
Mayor Jared Littmann has nominated Karen B. Ajayi, MST, CPA, CGFM, CDFM, CGMA, as the City’s new Finance Director.
Annapolis, MD – Mayor Jared Littmann has nominated Karen B. Ajayi, MST, CPA, CGFM, CDFM, CGMA, as the City’s new Finance Director. Since late February, Ajayi has been serving as the City’s Deputy Finance Director.
“We are fortunate to be able to promote talent from within our own ranks,” said Mayor Jared Littmann. “Karen represents the very best of public service, and I am confident her background in finance and her vision for fiscal responsibility will serve the City for years to come.”
Ajayi brings more than two decades of public and private financial management experience to the position, including positions with Anne Arundel County government and leadership roles at the “Big Four” accounting firms.
As Deputy Finance Director, Ajayi has demonstrated her skillset overseeing the City’s daily operations and long-term financial planning.
The Acting Finance Director, Joel Pallikal, was brought in after the former Finance Director resigned in November of 2025. Pallikal led the City’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget team and managed day-to-day operations.
“I want to thank Joel for helping the City navigate both a budget season and a leadership transition,” said City Manager Yolanda Lewis. “Karen has demonstrated strong financial expertise and the steady leadership to carry this department forward.”
The City’s Finance Department oversees the development and administration of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets, coordinates municipal bond sales to fund public infrastructure projects, and manages the City’s investment portfolio. Additionally, the department processes payroll for City employees, manages accounts payable and receivable, administers grants, and complies with state and federal accounting laws.
Ajayi will go before the City Council for confirmation on Monday, June 8. If confirmed, she will earn an annual salary of $187,500.
