BARRHEAD - It is not official, at least not yet, but the Town of Barrhead announced that it has found its new chief administrative officer (CAO).
And they did not have to look far.
On Oct. 15, the municipality announced on its Facebook page that Collin Steffes would be its CAO. Steffes is the current general manager of planning and community services administration for Westlock County. He will begin his new duties on Nov. 25.
However, before it is official, Town of Barrhead councillors must appoint Steffes, which is expected to happen at their Oct. 22 meeting.
The hire became necessary after the town's current CAO, Edward LeBlanc, opted to step away from the position and not renew his contract in May for semi-retirement. A few weeks ago, LeBlanc agreed to become the Barrhead Regional Water Commission's manager.
Mayor Dave McKenzie said it had been a thorough process.
In late April, council engaged a headhunting company, James Davies of DCG Executive Search Services, to search for potential candidates.
"They met with [council] first to determine the kind of individual we are looking for, then put together the 'job package' and started advertising in the 'trades', places where you know you will find municipal administrators," McKenzie said.
He added that James Davies of DCG Executive Search Services is also well-plugged into the industry and knows potential candidates who might be moving, saying the process is similar to an NHL team looking for a new coach.
"Knowing who's who and the people that might be available and in play," McKenzie said.
In the end, he said, the recruiter received several applications from candidates around the country, especially from Western Canada and Alberta. After adding James Davies, the list of potential candidates was narrowed down to 10.
Council then narrowed the list to four, interviewing them all on Sept. 28. Steffes signed a four-year contract roughly two weeks later.
"He just seemed to be the right fit for us," McKenzie said, adding that council is excited to have someone of Steffes' calibre and experience.
According to the town's media release, Steffes has over 15 years of experience in executive and municipal leadership roles, noting his career started specifically in construction and land development in the private sector.
He then transitioned to municipal government, starting with Sturgeon County, where he spent 12 years before moving on to MacEwan University as the student association's general manager or chief of administration. Steffes then took over the executive director position at Lamont County before moving to his latest position with Westlock County.
McKenzie said that although the council is excited to have Steffes join the municipality, they are saddened by LeBlanc's departure.
"We were very happy with Ed. He worked well with our council, and we thank him for all his efforts and contributions to our community over his five-year tenure. We got a lot of stuff done, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours," he said.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
