JACKSON, Tenn. – Former Fiscal Director for the State of Tennessee, Tawanika D. McKinney, has accepted an offer to work for the City of Jackson as an internal auditor.

McKinney is a Jackson native and started her fiscal career in downtown Jackson as a summer intern in banking. She now brings more than 25 years of financial management experience to the city.

“Tawanika will be an asset to local government and we are fortunate to have her,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Transparency is a key initiative of this administration and having an internal auditor will ensure fiscal accountability.”

She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting and business law from Tennessee State University and her Master of Business Administration degree from Bethel University.

She also received an Executive Leadership Certification from Tennessee State University and is a Certified Procurement Officer for the State of Tennessee. McKinney is a graduate and elected officer of the Tennessee Government Executive Institute.

“I was born and raised in this city and am passionate about this opportunity to continue giving back to it professionally,” said McKinney.

“At Mayor Conger’s request, I’m here to make sure that city government is complying with ordinances and state laws.”

McKinney’s extensive civic commitments include the following:

• 2017 Sterling Award recipient recognizing the 20 most influential women in West Tennessee

• Past president of the Jackson TN Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

• Member of the Jackson TN chapter of The Links, Incorporated Public Service Organization Toast

• Vice president of membership for City Speaks chapter of Toastmasters International

• Member of Business and Professional Women of Tennessee organization

• Past president of the Jackson TN chapter of the Tennessee State University Alumni Association
  TN Achieves mentor

• Board member University of Tennessee at Knoxville; Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership Online Training Advisory Board

• Board member Ballet Arts, Inc.

McKinney started her new position on December 14.