FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 15, 2025
Contact:
Jay Willms
Director of Operations
Saint Paul City Council
jay.willms@ci.stpaul.mn.us
651-266-8564
Saint Paul City Council Welcomes Chief Budget Officer and Chief Policy Officer to Complete Central Staff Leadership Team
SAINT PAUL, MN – The Saint Paul City Council is pleased to announce two key appointments to its central staff leadership team. Kumud Verma has joined as Chief Budget Officer and Tim Greenfield has joined as Chief Policy Officer, rounding out the staff leadership structure following the appointment of Jay Willms as Director of Operations in April. These two roles report directly to the City Council’s Director of Operations and were selected in consultation with the Council’s leadership team to strengthen the legislative body's independent capacity to develop, analyze, and evaluate policy and budget decisions.
Both the Chief Budget Officer and Chief Policy Officer are dedicated to supporting the City Council’s legislative work. These appointments reinforce the Council’s independent function, as a co-equal branch of government, to analyze, shape, and advance policy and budget decisions on behalf of Saint Paul residents.
“These hires reflect our commitment to building a policy team that is not only technically strong but also grounded in public service values,” said Jay Willms, Director of Operations. “Kumud and Tim bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will be critical as we partner with the administration to tackle the complex challenges and opportunities facing our city.”
Kumud Verma, the new Chief Budget Officer, brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience to the role. Most recently, she served as Finance Director for the City of Richfield. Prior to that, she played a key role in the financial operations of Minnesota Public Radio. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in finance.
“I am pleased to join the Saint Paul team and look forward to contributing to the City's mission and values,” said Verma. “It is a privilege to be part of a talented and dynamic team dedicated to supporting and enhancing the community. I look forward to leveraging my skills and extensive experience to contribute to the advancement of the City’s long-term strategic objectives.”
Tim Greenfield, the new Chief Policy Officer, joins the Council with over 10 years of experience at the Minnesota Legislature. Most recently, he served as a nonpartisan attorney for the Minnesota Senate, supporting the Transportation Committee with legislative drafting, policy development, and legal research. He earned his J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
“I am honored to join the City Council as its Chief Policy Officer and excited to support the Council’s work on behalf of the people of Saint Paul,” said Greenfield. “This role is a unique opportunity to bring forward my legislative and legal experience to help shape decisions that directly impact and improve people’s lives. I’m enthusiastic about the challenges ahead and grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
The appointments of Kumud Verma and Tim Greenfield join the existing members of the central staff leadership team, which includes Shari Moore, Marcia Moermond, Nhia Vang, and Veronica Burt. The new hires create a full complement of policy, research, and budget expertise to guide and support the Council’s legislative priorities and strategic decision-making.
###