Hattiesburg, Mississsippi – On Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, Mayor Toby Barker announced Malcolm Berch as the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Hattiesburg.  

Berch has worked for the city for nearly four years, most recently serving as interim chief financial officer. During that time, he was utilized in various departments, splitting most of his time between the Water & Sewer Department and City Hall, where he worked alongside former CFO, Connie Everett, and Comptroller, Lisa Hanson.  

Berch played a role in helping the City of Hattiesburg complete multiple audits (on time) in the last few years, demonstrating his commitment to upgrading accounting proficiencies and meeting the necessary technological needs for city departments, government regulators and the public. 

He also assisted in setting multiple budgets that provided salary increases for all departments. 

As CFO, Berch said his primary objective is to continue to support Mayor Barker and the initiatives that will further the growth and success of Hattiesburg.  

“Mayor Barker is always looking for resources for projects, whether it’s pay raises for public sector employees, paving projects or building an overpass,” Berch said. “It’s my job to make sure he and the City Council have the funds to make it happen, and I will continue to support him, his ideas and vision for the future of Hattiesburg.” 

Berch, a native of McComb, Miss., moved to Hattiesburg in 1991 to attend The University of Southern Mississippi, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting. He is also a certified Mississippi collector of revenue.  

Before working with the city, Berch served as an accountant at the Forrest County Tax Collector’s office for 22 years. He also worked as an accountant at Horne CPA and Pine Belt Mental Resources in Hattiesburg.  

“It’s an honor to work for the city I have called home for over 30 years,” Berch said. “I look forward to serving the public and working with the Mayor and City Council, knowing they have the city’s best interest in mind and want to better our community.”  

Mayor Barker is confident that Berch will continue to advance the city’s strategic goals and operational efficiency within his role as the city’s chief financial officer.  

“Malcolm has proven himself as an experienced and capable public servant at both the county and municipal level,” Mayor Barker said. “His knowledge of government finance, millage and budgeting has already been an asset to the City of Hattiesburg, and we look forward to his service as the city’s permanent chief financial officer.”

Berch has been married to his wife, Valerie, for 32 years, and the two have three sons and five grandchildren.

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