Bhama Cairns has devoted her career to public finance, establishing herself as an expert in municipal financial management and leadership. Currently serving as deputy finance director for the City of Kentwood, Michigan, Ms. Cairns oversees financial operations while pursuing opportunities to advance women’s leadership in local government. She brings decades of experience in financial reporting, risk management, accounting, budgeting, payroll review, and grant management to her role.
Ms. Cairns built a strong educational foundation, earning a Master of Public Administration in local government administration from Western Michigan University, complementing her earlier Bachelor of Science in accountancy and Bachelor of Business Administration in business administration and management from Calvin University. Her pursuit of excellence is further demonstrated through her credentials as a chartered global management accountant and chartered management accountant from The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in the United Kingdom and her certification as a certified public accountant in Michigan. The Michigan Municipal League recently selected Ms. Cairns for their Women’s Manager Leadership Program, recognizing her potential to advance in municipal leadership. She joined an elite group of 35 participants chosen from 80 applicants, using the program to strengthen her communication skills and build networks with other aspiring female city managers.
Ms. Cairns’s journey in financial management began as an auditor at Ernst & Young before transitioning to public service as an internal auditor for Kent County. She later worked as a financial analyst for the Reformed Church in America, where she honed her analytical skills before moving into municipal government. Her path through local government included roles as deputy treasurer for the City of Rockwood and deputy city manager, finance director, and treasurer for the City of Wayland, where she developed a comprehensive understanding of municipal operations. One of her most challenging and formative experiences came as a controller for the City of Hamtramck, a financially distressed municipality. Working alongside an emergency manager, Ms. Cairns helped implement difficult but necessary changes to restore the city’s financial health despite resistance from the city commission and the public. This experience proved instrumental in shaping her approach to municipal financial management and strengthening her resolve to make tough decisions for the greater good.
Throughout her career, Ms. Cairns has maintained active involvement in several professional organizations, including Pi Alpha Alpha, the Government Finance Officers Association, the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, and the International City County Management Association. These affiliations have allowed her to stay current with industry trends and best practices while contributing to the community. Beyond her formal duties, Ms. Cairns serves as a Grand Rapids Alternative Correctional Experience board member and her volunteer work as a pianist at senior citizen events and nursing homes, bringing music to elderly residents. A mother to one son, she successfully balances her corporate ambitions with family life, embodying the potential for women to thrive in leadership roles while maintaining personal responsibilities.
Although she initially dreamed of becoming a commercial pilot, Ms. Cairns followed her parents’ guidance toward accounting and discovered her passion for connecting with people through financial expertise. This adaptability has served her well throughout her career, as she has consistently embraced new challenges and opportunities for growth. She now aims to advance into a deputy city manager role, focusing on community and administration work and considering future opportunities as a city manager or consultant for small cities.
Drawing on her comprehensive understanding of municipal operations and finance, Ms. Cairns continues to break barriers for women in municipal leadership roles, demonstrating the value of technical expertise combined with strong leadership skills in public service. Her journey exemplifies the importance of continuous learning and development in building a meaningful career in local government administration, particularly as she works to create pathways for future generations of women leaders in municipal government.