Kena Crist Meyer
Financial Officer, Department of Water, Dayton, Ohio

Kena Crist Meyer serves as the Financial Officer for the City of Dayton’s Department of Water, where she leads the financial planning and stewardship of three essential utilities—Water, Sewer, and Storm. Dayton is a regional provider of drinking water in southwestern Ohio serving upwards 400,000 residents and employing up to 400 employees.
Kena oversees both operational and capital budgets, ensuring accurate forecasting and optimizing financial reporting to safeguard the fiscal health of the Department. She is responsible for recommending utility rates that promote long-term infrastructure sustainability while remaining mindful of community affordability.
Kena also directs the department’s grant portfolio, securing over $34 million in federal and state funding since 2021 to support vital infrastructure and environmental compliance.
Before joining Dayton Water, Kena held financial positions with the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the NYC Mayor's Office of Contract Services. Kena’s commitment to responsible public finance supports innovative, resilient utility management in Dayton and the region.