Mentor has announced the appointment of new Finance Director Mate Rogonjic. The appointment became effective June 23. Rogonjic replaces former finance director David Malinowski, who retired after 29 years of service. Malinowski joined the city as assistant finance director in 1996 and served as finance director since 2006. “I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of the city of Mentor in my role as finance director,” Rogonjic said. “My overall goal is to maintain the high standards and great reputation that the finance department has built over the years under the leadership of the prior finance director, while also working with the talented staff in the finance department to strive to continuously improve our operations because they impact services provided to the residents and support functions in the other departments of the city. “I am looking forward to a wonderful career with the city of Mentor.” According to a news release, Rogonjic most recently had served the city of Cleveland as assistant finance director since March 2024. He also served as finance director for the city of Chardon from 2012 to 2022 and was with the Ohio Auditor’s Office for 14 years, where he held a variety of roles, including assistant chief forensic auditor in the Special Investigations Unit. He lives in Mentor with his wife, Angela, and children, Owen, Mila and Jeno. “Mr. Malinowski has been an incredible advocate and asset for the city over all those years and has been an essential part in the sound fiscal condition of our city – he will be missed,” Mentor City Manager Kenneth Filipiak said. “We are excited to have someone with the credentials of Mr. Rogonjic to fill this role and apply his considerable experience for the benefit of our residents.”