Talia Lomax-O'dneal

As the first woman and person of color to serve as finance director for Metro, for over two decades, Talia has focused on ensuring the department acts as a strategic partner in government while advocating for employee well-being. Under her leadership, the department raised starting salaries to a minimum of $50,000 for all full-time employees. Talia has also championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, helping align the department’s workforce with the demographics of Nashville. As Metro Finance Manager Loan Huynh shares, “Talia has a superpower for recognizing strengths in others and encouraging them to elevate their best traits,” reflecting her dedication to mentoring and empowering her colleagues.

Nominated by Loan Huynh, finance manager, Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County (Metro), Tennessee