Darlene Wildes

Darlene has been with the Columbus City Auditor’s Office since 1996 and has served as deputy auditor since 2018. Under her leadership, Columbus became the largest city in the country to maintain AAA/Aaa/AAA credit ratings. As City Auditor Megan Kilgore states, "The citizens of Columbus likely do not know the name Darlene Wildes, but they have most certainly benefited from her twenty-eight years with the city." Darlene led the charge for technology modernization, implementing three major technology systems in four years, two of which replaced systems that were over thirty-five years old, including the development of a Transparency Portal that makes complex financial information accessible to the public. Additionally, the office is growing AI initiatives in areas such as predicting tax audit risk, process automation, and enhancing user experience; Darlene’s experience as a governmental auditor has contributed to optimizing these advancements. She makes time to mentor staff, and one of the youngest employees recently completed his CPFO certification with her support and encouragement.

Nominated by Megan Kilgore, city auditor, City of Columbus Auditor's Office, Ohio