The understudy now has the lead role at the top of the town financial department.

The Friday Harbor Town Council July 17 appointed Kelle Wilson to fill the unexpired term of former treasurer Wendy Picinich, who stepped down from the elected town position, as well as town finance officer, in mid-June. The treasurer’s term expires Dec. 31, 2015.

Wilson has held the position of town clerk and more recently assistant finance officer during a 20-year tenure with the town.

Mayor Carrie Lacher tapped Wilson to take over as town finance director on the heels of a region-wide candidate search.

“Kelle is a competent and dedicated professional, and will serve the community well as treasurer and finance director,” Lacher said in a press release. “I am looking forward to working with Kelle and continuing our tradition of outstanding fiscal management.”

In addition to management of the town finance department, the financial director develops and implements policies, procedures and practices for the town financial system, serves as internal auditor, invest funds and manages debt. The finance director also assists the administrator in day-to-day operation of the budget process, which includes forecasting and analysis.

The finance director plans, directs and controls the functions of the finance department; serves as internal auditor for town; develops and implements policies, procedures and practices for the town’s financial systems; and invests funds and manages debt.

The finance director also assists the town administrator in day to day administration of the town budget process, including its analysis and forecasting.

“Kelle was one of many qualified individuals considered for these positions,” Administrator Duncan Wilson said. “Kelle was clearly the right choice for the town.”

Wilson had taken on the duties of treasurer and of finance director since Picinich retired, after a 30-plus years with the town.