Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. announces the departure of City Controller Heather Garay who is leaving the City to work in the private sector. “Although Heather didn’t have an accounting background at the time, we knew her legal training would help her in her new position and she’s done an amazing job for the City of Hammond”, stated Mayor McDermott “We would like to thank Heather for all her efforts on behalf of the City and wish her well in her future endeavors.”
Heather has been with the City since 2008. She began her career with the City interning in the Mayor’s office while going to Law School. She has served on the Hammond Human Relations Commission, the Hammond Water Works Department Board of Directors and currently serves as the President of the Board of Public Works. In 2014, she was appointed the City Controller.
Heather’s most notable accomplishment with the City was spearheading the City’s energy efficiency program through Leopardo Energy. The program allowed Hammond to accomplish its goal of having a green fleet, as well as converting 75% of City-owned streetlights to new LED fixtures and upgrade building automation controls and HVAC systems across a number of municipal facilities like the public work complex, police station, fires stations and civic center.
“Heather has many personal accomplishments as well”, stated Mayor McDermott. “She was one of 22 women in Indiana to be chosen for the “Hoosier Women Forward” distinction. She was also a Times 20 Under 40 honoree as well as an and Up and Coming Influential Women of the Year. Heather is definitely someone that we will hear from many more times in the future.”
“Heather has been instrumental in helping with financing many successful economic development projects throughout the City”, stated Philip Taillon, Mayor’s Chief of Staff. “Congratulations on all that she has accomplished”