The City of Lexington has announced the appointment of Todd Finley as city manager, effective July 1.

Lexington city officials say that with more than 30 years of public service experience in municipal government and public safety, Finley brings a wealth of knowledge, a dedication to transparency and a vision for community-driven progress.

“I would like to thank mayor Mike Donovan and the council for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Lexington as city manager,” Finley said. “After several meetings with the mayor and driving through the city several times, I’ve identified several areas we will be focusing on,” the new city manager said.

“Infrastructure and overall appearance are key items that support existing businesses and invite new ones—ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents.”

Finley’s first weeks will be dedicated to evaluating city staff, reviewing contracts and prioritizing areas of concern. He has emphasized a firm belief in open communication and governmental transparency.

“Although some matters require confidentiality, I believe short- and long-term strategic plans for municipal improvement work best when discussed openly,” he added. “I would like to develop an outlet to report progress and issues, keeping our community as informed as possible.”

A U.S. Army veteran who later served in the Oklahoma National Guard until 2002,  Finley began his municipal career as a firefighter and police officer. He rose through the ranks and ultimately retired as fire chief for the City of Woodward.

His areas of focus included public safety, city code enforcement, floodplain management, inspections and investigations, new construction review and municipal ordinance development.

While residing in Mooreland, he also served on the town board and as mayor, gaining valuable experience in civic leadership and strategic planning. Following his retirement in 2022, he founded a consulting company specializing in services for smaller municipalities. In addition to his professional work, he is a licensed local pastor and has served two rural churches for the past seven years.

“Needless to say, I enjoy staying busy,” Finley remarked. “I look forward to working with the city council, local businesses and leaders and citizens—exploring ideas, building relationships and achieving goals that continue to promote Lexington.”