Formerly a partner at the Yerkes & Michels, CPA, LLC, accounting firm, Schwenker began his duties August 6 at City Hall. He is responsible for account and ledger reconciliation and other daily primary accounting duties, as well as supervising the issuance of city permits and overseeing record keeping related to Independence City Commission proceedings.
A native of Pittsburg, Schwenker joined Yerkes & Michels as a staff accountant in June 2000, after earning an accounting degree at Pittsburg State University. In January 2015, he was promoted to partner in the firm, and for several years he was involved in the firm’s annual audit of the City’s finances.
“We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to hire David,” said Independence Finance Director Mike Borovetz. “He will be a tremendous addition to our staff and a great asset for the citizens of Independence.”
City Manager Craig Whitehead noted that Schwenker rose to the top of a large pool of applicants, and his public accounting experience will serve him well in his new position.
“We were extremely fortunate to find someone with David’s depth of experience in public sector accounting, and it’s a huge bonus that he is already familiar with the City of Independence,” Whitehead said.
Whitehead explained the consolidated clerk/treasurer position was developed several months ago in an effort to establish more stringent financial management protocols. With the experience Schwenker brings to his role, Whitehead said, the City will be well equipped to accomplish its current corrective action plan addressing process deficiencies and likewise will be well positioned to maintain excellent practices going forward.
“We continue to make great strides in our action plan, and we’re improving our processes every day,” Whitehead said. “The addition of David is a very important step in a positive direction.”
Schwenker said he is looking forward to the challenges and rewards that come with a career change.
Outside of work, Schwenker serves as treasurer for the Independence Bulldog Booster Club and as a board member for the Community Action Center. He and his wife, Lisa, have two adult children.