Team

Robert J.F. Widigan is the Finance Director for the City of Pontiac, Michigan. He previously served as Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Deputy Financial Officer at Wayne County, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Flint, and has held finance leadership roles with the City of Lansing and the Michigan Department of Treasury. A graduate of the University of Michigan–Flint, Rob is a 2023 Bond Buyer Rising Star and an active member of GFOA and MGFOA. He holds multiple certificates in generative AI strategy and is focused on integrating practical AI solutions into day-to-day municipal finance operations.

Porche Prater serves as Deputy Finance Director for the City of Pontiac, bringing extensive experience in municipal finance, treasury operations, financial administration, and organizational transformation. In her current role, she helps lead the City’s financial operations, with a focus on strengthening internal controls, modernizing processes, and promoting fiscal accountability and long-term financial sustainability.

Prior to her appointment as Deputy Finance Director, Porche served as the City’s Treasurer, overseeing the investment and safeguarding of municipal funds, property and income tax collection, cash management, and financial reporting.

Before joining Pontiac, she served the City of Detroit during a pivotal period in its financial recovery and restructuring. There, she played a key role in transitioning property tax administration from external consultants back to City operations, building the processes and infrastructure necessary to manage the function internally. She also led staff, modernized workflows, and helped manage and reconcile the City’s multimillion-dollar property tax roll.

Throughout her career, Porche has focused on strengthening public-sector financial systems, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources. She brings that experience to Pontiac as the City continues to strengthen its financial foundation and position itself for sustainable growth and investment.

Tim Estheimer serves as the City Treasurer for the City of Pontiac, bringing extensive experience in municipal finance, treasury operations, and public service. He also serves as the elected Treasurer for the City of Allen Park.

Tim has earned both the Michigan Certified Public Treasurer (MiCPT) designation and the Advanced Certified Public Funds Investment Manager (ACPFIM) designation. His expertise includes public fund investment management, cash management, municipal debt financing, and safeguarding taxpayer resources.

He is a member of the Pontiac Election Commission and is actively involved in professional organizations dedicated to governmental finance and treasury best practices, including the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association (MMTA), Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Michigan Government Finance Officers Association (MGFOA), and the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States & Canada (APT US&C).

Tim serves as President of the Wayne County Treasurers Association (WCTA) and is a member of the Oakland County Treasurers Association (OCTA), promoting collaboration and the sharing of best practices among municipal treasurers throughout Southeast Michigan.

Committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and exceptional public service, Tim works to safeguard public funds, strengthen the City’s financial operations, and provide efficient, responsive service to Pontiac residents and taxpayers.