A former resident of Kalamazoo and Florida, Dowagiac City Hall employee Latoi Wilson is in the midst of preparing for her next big move.

A few desks over from her current workspace, into the city treasurer office, in this case.

Members of the Dowagiac City Council unanimously named Wilson as the city’s next treasurer during the council’s meeting Monday night in city hall. The current city staff member will replace longtime Treasurer Robin Coffey — who is set to retire April 28 — on May 1.

A subcommittee, consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Leon Laylin and councilors Danielle Lucas and James Dodd, suggested Wilson for the position after the leaders interviewed her for the job eariler this month.

Wilson will serve out the rest of Coffey’s term, which ends in December. The position of treasurer will be on the ballot during November’s general election.

As treasurer, Wilson will be responsible for managing the city’s finances, including receiving property tax payments from residents and ensuring all funds are properly distributed.

The city has employed Wilson since 2011. Starting off part-time in the city’s utility department, Wilson currently works full-time in the building department.

When Coffey announced her retirement after 20 years in the position earlier this year, Wilson decided to apply for the vacancy, she said.

“I have had a front row seat to see what Robin does, and she makes the job look glamorous,” she said.

Coffey attended Monday’s meeting, sitting with Wilson during the vote. Before the council’s decision, Coffey told the leaders she believed her incoming replacement “is going to do a great job.”

“It speaks volumes when the person leaving the position can put their stamp on the person who is following behind them,” said Councilor Lori Hunt.

The two will work together to ensure a smooth transition when Coffey leaves at the end of the month. Wilson has already been preparing to take over the position, with a notebook full of information she has gathered while shadowing the treasurer, she said.

The incoming treasurer was born and raised in the Grand Old City. After graduating from Dowagiac Union High School in 1998, she moved to Kalamazoo, where she lived for several years before she moved south to Florida.

The mother of two lived in the Sunshine State until 2010, when she decided to return to her hometown, she said.

“I was homesick, and there is no place like home,” Wilson said. “I wanted to raise a family close to my roots, and Dowagiac, being a small town, felt like a great place to do so.”

After working at Forest Glen Assisted Living, Wilson decided to take a position with the city, where she has remained ever since.

Wilson is committed to serving her hometown with pride — not just for her neighbors’ sake, but to also serve a good example for her teenage daughter, Jada. The seventh-grader recently earned a spot on the school’s honor roll with a perfect 4.0 GPA, and is also a member of the band, where she plays saxophone.

Wilson’s other child, Elijah, is currently attending the University of Michigan, studying engineering on a full ride scholarship

“I’m a very proud mama,” she said.

Outside of the office, Wilson is an active member of The Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac, a group that organizes several annual community events, including the Fourth of July fireworks display. Wilson also volunteers at the middle school whenever possible, she said.

With plenty of experience under her belt and a great staff backing her up, Wilson said she is eager to take over the books from Coffey next month.

“I have some big shoes to fill, but I think I am up to the challenge,” she said. “I’m a little nervous and a little anxious, but I’m confident I can do this.”