Valley Metro has welcomed Mary Modelski as internal auditor and Paula Novacek as controller to the agency’s finance division.
“With the surge in transit growth over the past decade and expansion of service to meet future rider demand, these positions will ensure fiscal accountability and transparency,” said Scott Smith, Valley Metro CEO. “Their depth of knowledge and experience in auditing and accounting is extremely beneficial in our daily financial operations.”
Mary Modelski, internal auditor
Modelski is responsible for developing and directing Valley Metro’s comprehensive audit program in order to evaluate internal controls and support management of business risks. In her role, she reports to the CEO and the Boards of Directors for Valley Metro and Valley Metro Rail. Modelski has more than 18 years of experience auditing diverse businesses processes, operational efficiency and effectiveness. She has served as division chief, internal audit and small local emerging business certification for Alameda County in Oakland, California and is a certified internal auditor, certified information systems auditor and certified government audit professional.
Paula Novacek, controller
Novacek is responsible for managing the accounting function and developing financial processes, policies and procedures, internal controls and performance measures for the Finance Division. She reports to the agency’s chief financial officer. Novacek has more than 24 years in governmental accounting and auditing including serving as the assistant finance director for the city of Mesa, Arizona and is a certified public accountant and certified government financial manager.
