PENDLETON — The city of Pendleton has a new finance director.

Josh Ernst stepped into the role on Feb. 6, succeeding Linda Carter who retired Feb. 5 after 30 years in the position.

“Josh has shown himself as a capable leader and innovator and I am confident he will be more than capable in this new role for the City,” Pendleton City Manager Robb Corbett said in a press release announcing the change.

Born and raised in Pendleton, Ernst has worked for the city since November 2018, most recently as the accounting supervisor. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from Oregon State University.

“While nervous for the initial learning curve, I really look forward to building off what our outgoing finance director accomplished during her 30-year tenure with the city of Pendleton,” Ernst said in the release.

Ernst said he looks forward to implementing new technology that will reduce redundancies for employees, improve relationships with vendors and increase the convenience and satisfaction of citizens.

In his personal life, Ernst enjoys spending time with his wife, Jessica, and daughters, Remy and Rossi.