The City of Detroit’s workforce agency, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) recently hired Ira Thompson II as Chief Financial Officer. 

In this role, Thompson II will serve as a strategic partner to the interim president, executive leadership team, and the DESC Board of Directors. He will provide leadership across budgeting, accounting, grant management, procurement, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls. He will also enhance fiscal processes and align local resources with DESC’s mission and long-term priorities. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Ira Thompson II as DESC’s Chief Financial Officer,” said Terri Weems, Interim President of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation and Special Advisor to the Mayor on Workforce. “Ira brings exceptional finance expertise, strategic insight and a collaborative leadership style that will strengthen the organization as we advance Mayor Mary Sheffield’s vision of economic opportunity for every Detroiter. Ira’s commitment to excellence comes at an important time for our organization. His experience will be invaluable in ensuring our financial sustainability, enhancing operational excellence and positioning DESC to maximize its impact.” 

Ira brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience across federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit and healthcare-related organizations. He has served as Chief Financial Officer and senior financial executive for multiple organizations, providing strategic leadership through periods of growth, transformation, and organizational change. Throughout his career, he has strengthened internal controls, improved organizational performance, supported audit readiness, and translated financial information into clear, actionable strategies for executive leaders and boards. 

Thompson II joined DESC in mid-July after serving as Complex Financial Controller for International Paper. As the senior finance executive for the company’s Indiana manufacturing operations, he provided full financial leadership for more than $60 million in capital investments, which was part of the business arm generating nearly $800 million in annual revenue. 

Through Detroit at Work, DESC provides employer engagement, job placement and supportive services to Detroit residents. It also operates seven brick-and-mortar career centers throughout the city and has extended services to its Flex Locations at neighborhood libraries and non-profit organizations citywide. The organization also hosts several job fairs at its career centers monthly. 

“I am pleased to join this workforce development organization that is committed to connecting residents to employment opportunities,” said Ira Thompson II, DESC’s CFO. “It is great to return to Michigan to help strengthen the local economy and help to foster a more streamlined business ecosystem.” 

To further strengthen its financial leadership team, DESC has also hired Geraldine “Geri” Mann as Budget Director and Maleece Barry as Fiscal Planning & Analysis Manager. Geri will provide strategic leadership for the organization’s budgeting, financial planning, grant financial management, procurement oversight, and enterprise financial reporting, helping to support executive decision-making, operational effectiveness, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Maleece will lead the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, cash management, and regulatory compliance, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and accountability of financial resources while promoting audit readiness and sound fiscal stewardship.