Brentwood Hires Tonya Travis as Next Finance Director
Published on July 24, 2025
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The City of Brentwood has hired Tonya Travis, a certified municipal finance officer with more than 23 years of public finance experience, as the city’s new finance director. She will begin her new role on Aug. 4.
“Tonya will fill the position concurrently with Karen Harper, who plans to retire in early 2026,” Jason Gage, Brentwood City Manager, said. “Both individuals will work together through the fall and winter, providing Tonya with ample opportunity to learn about the function, organization, and community.”
Harper joined the city’s finance department in 1996 and held various roles over the next 29 years, including city treasurer. In 2020, she was appointed director of finance, and during her tenure, she ensured that Brentwood continued its legacy of fiscal excellence. Earlier this year, the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada presented Brentwood with its 33rd consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2025 annual budget document.
“We’re excited for Tonya to continue this tradition,” Gage said. “She brings to the job a high level of knowledge, experience, and customer service skills. We are very excited to welcome her into the City of Brentwood family this August.”
Travis earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Middle Tennessee State University. She has served as a finance professional in Spring Hill, Fayetteville, and Shelbyville, most recently working with Tennessee cities as a finance and accounting consultant for the University of Tennessee Institute of Public Service Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS).
For information on Brentwood’s Finance Department, visit www.brentwoodtn.gov/Departments/Finance.