Stephen Kitzmiller fondly remembers the advice his late father used to get him interested in finance.

“Accounting always makes the decisions,” Kitzmiller said. “It always comes down to numbers and I love numbers. I have an affinity for them.”

The 42-year-old Hannibal man has been named assistant finance director at NECAC. He replaces Sherry Windland, who retired recently after more than 30 years with the not-for-profit social services agency.

“Stephen has been a great asset to the finance team and I look forward to the future as he steps into his new role,” said NECAC Finance Operations Director Vicky Pritchett.

A graduate of Fort Zumwalt High School in O’Fallon, Kitzmiller quickly learned the ropes of assisting customers and clients. He spent 13 years as a customer service representative with Dierbergs, the St. Louis area grocery chain. He started as a NECAC finance specialist on Sept. 10, 2012.

With a budget of more than $26 million, Kitzmiller is excited that NECAC continues to assist disadvantaged clients in 12 Missouri counties with cutting-edge programs.

“I just want us to keep moving forward, get more efficient and just keep pressing on with technology,” he said. “We need to keep growing.”

Kitzmiller and his wife, Jennifer, have two daughters. He enjoys performing and producing music at his church.