James O. Cooke, IV

Mr. Cooke joined the City of Tallahassee as Deputy Treasurer-Clerk in 2002. He has served as City Treasurer-Clerk since his appointment by the City Commission in 2012. A graduate of Florida State University (1985 - Bachelor of Science in accounting; 1986 - Master of Accounting), Mr. Cooke began his professional career as a CPA on the audit staff of Price Waterhouse in Atlanta, Georgia. He continued his career in Atlanta with Bennett Thrasher LLP before returning to Tallahassee in 1995 to join Williams, Cox, Weidner & Cox (now Carr, Riggs & Ingram).

The Treasurer-Clerk directs five of the City’s divisions - treasury management, records management, revenue collection, risk management, and retirement. He is responsible for ongoing management of the City’s operating funds as well as investing approximately $2.0 billion for the City’s pension plan. Over his 15 years in the Office of the Treasurer-Clerk, he has guided debt issuances totaling $2.0 billion and maintains responsibility for debt-related continuing disclosures and for communicating with the major bond rating agencies.

In addition to his City responsibilities, Mr. Cooke is an active member of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA), currently serving as President of the local Big Bend chapter. He also serves as Vice-chairman of Florida Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System (FLCLASS), an independent local government investment pool designed to provide a safe and competitive investment alternative to governmental entities across the State of Florida. In addition, he serves as a member of the Investment Committees of the North Florida Community Foundation and Florida State Seminole Boosters.