Juanita “Nina” Salinas began her first week as Duluth’s new finance director Monday, bringing more than three decades of leadership experience in municipal government, global industry and strategic consulting.
Mayor Roger Reinert said Salinas emerged as the top choice from a competitive field.
“I’m excited to welcome Ms. Salinas to the City of Duluth leadership team,” Reinert said in a statement. “She rose to the top of a strong candidate pool and is remarkably well-suited for the Finance Director position. Nina has a well-rounded resume spanning government, global industrial, and consulting fields, and we are eager to have her onboard leading our finance team.”
Salinas most recently served as chief administrative officer for the City of San Antonio’s Council District 6, overseeing constituent services, zoning, public works, and community outreach. She supported the district’s review of the city’s $4 billion annual budget and worked across multiple departments.
Her background also includes time as chief operating officer and strategy consultant for UGO Strategies, where she advised clients on organizational alignment, financial processes and public affairs.
She holds an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M University.
City Administrator Matt Staehling said Salinas brings the right mix of financial and organizational expertise.
“Ms. Salinas comes to Duluth having led a career grounded in fiscal responsibility, organizational alignment, and comes to us with a people-first leadership philosophy,” Staehling said. “Her incredibly varied skillset and leadership style are exactly what the department needs in order to address the City’s unique set of financial opportunities and challenges.”
Salinas said the move north feels fitting, given her Texas roots.
“I am so pleased to join the leadership team at the City of Duluth,” she said. “As a native of Laredo, Texas, my journey here is serendipitous. I-35 runs from my hometown on the Mexican border to Duluth, where my family and I will now plant our roots. I look forward to getting acquainted with the community, and embracing this city’s natural beauty and vibrant arts scene, as well as immersing myself in new outdoor winter activities.”
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Salinas has been active in community service, including work with nonprofit boards, homeowners associations, dog rescue efforts and Latino professional organizations.
The Duluth City Council approved her appointment Nov. 24.
