Cherri Phifer Named New Branson Finance Director

The City of Branson has tabbed a former Finance Director from the Harrison area to lead their Finance Department.

Cherri Phifer has 17 years of finance experience according to a release from the City of Branson. Phifer most recent position was as Director of Accounting and Finance for the Area Agency of Aging of Northwest Arkansas based in Harrison and had previously worked with FedEx. 

Phifer will fill the position vacant since Jamie Rouch was relieved of her duties after 14 years with the City in April of 2022 by Acting City Administrator Lisa Westfall as part of a change-up of City Staff after the election earlier in the month. 

The release says Phifer will begin her new position on August 14th. 

The complete release from the City of Branson is below:

In a move that completes all Director level positions for the City of Branson, a new Finance Director is scheduled to begin her role August 14, 2023. Cherri Phifer, with 17 years of finance experience and leadership, was most recently the Director of Accounting and Finance for the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas. Previously, she was a Senior Accountant for FedEx Freight. 

“I accepted the role as Finance Director for the City of Branson because I think my skills and experience are a good fit for what Branson is seeking,” said Cherri Phifer. “I am a Certified Public Accountant who has gained a wealth of experience in fund accounting, management of state and federal programs, software utilization and project management. My family chose to relocate from northwest Arkansas because of the strength of the Branson School District and the City’s family-friendly environment,” said Phifer, who graduated from College of the Ozarks with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

The City of Branson is implementing enhanced accounting software, along with many improvements to existing processes, designed to ensure transparency and reliability of the Finance Department. The Director of Finance reports to the City Administrator and is responsible for managing, directing, and supervising the activities of the Finance Department and for performing highly complex professional-level accounting analysis. Baker Tilley, an organization hired to assist the City in May of 2022 will be available for the transition to a new director and remain engaged in large scale finance and economic development projects.

“When we learned of Cherri’s experience and qualifications, we knew she was a strong choice to continue our positive momentum as a City,” said City Administrator, Cathy Stepp. “We will lean on that experience as we launch a new era of transparency for our Finance Department. We welcome Cherri’s expertise to our solid team of City Hall,” concluded Stepp.