Calabasas Announces New Chief Financial Officer

CALABASAS, CA – The City of Calabasas has announced that Ron Ahlers has accepted the position of Chief Financial Officer, starting April 1. Ahlers will replace Dr. Gary Lysik who became Calabasas City Manager in 2018, the City of Calabasas press release said.

“The City is pleased to welcome Ron Ahlers as our new CFO,” said Calabasas Mayor David J. Shapiro. “Calabasas prides itself on fiscal responsibility, and I look forward to Ron helping us grow and become even stronger.”

Ahlers served as Finance Director/City Treasurer for Moorpark since 2008. While working for Moorpark, he implemented new City­wide financial software, fully funded the CalPERS retirement plan, and spear-headed a 5-year investment strategy portfolio consisting of U.S. Treasuries, Agencies, Corporate Bonds, and CDs, the press release said. Ahlers also guided the formation of a new Community Facilities District (CFD) which required a new debt management policy.

“I'm very pleased with Mr. Ahlers accepting the challenge for becoming a critical member of the City’s executive team, and I immediately look forward to drawing upon his numerous years of municipal finance experience to further make improvements and advancements for the residents and business owners of Calabasas,” said Calabasas City Manager Gary Lysik.

Ahlers earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics and master's in business administration at UCLA, then was hired as a junior accountant by the city of Glendale, according to the City of Calabasas. He gradually rose through the ranks to the position of assistant director of finance, the press release said.

“It is an honor to come work for the City of Calabasas,” said Ahlers. "I'm looking forward to contributing to the future success of the City as we all serve the residents of Calabasas."

When he’s not working with numbers, Ahlers likes to spend his time with his wife and their six children, visiting Disneyland, cheering for UCLA sports and volunteering at church, the press release said.