Metrolink has hired Sam Joumblat, a veteran financial expert with more than 30 years of business and engineering experience, as its chief financial officer and treasurer, effective March 17.<br /><br />"After a thorough and exhaustive search, I could not be more pleased that Joumblat is going to be a part of the Metrolink executive team," said Metrolink CEO Michael DePallo. "Our agency has made significant strides in its financial controls and procedures, but having someone of his expertise and experience to build upon these efforts is extraordinarily important. He has a proven record with financial management, auditing and has recently overseen the financial functions of a world-class seaport."<br /><br />Joumblat has been with the city of Long Beach since 2003, serving as the chief financial officer for the Port of Long Beach since 2006. After serving three years as Long Beach's deputy city auditor, Joumblat managed the port's debt issuance, accounting, revenue operations, financial reporting and analysis, along with the organization's accounts payable and budget coordination and oversight.<br /><br />Joumblat began his career as an engineer with Rockwell International before transitioning to business, auditing and finance with the Atlantic Richfield Company and later with Arthur Anderson, LLP.