Kelowna didn’t have to go far to find new city manager
Kelowna has a new city manager. Doug Gilchrist was named Thursday to succeed Ron Mattiussi, who retired earlier this year.
Gilchrist, who began working at the city in 2004, beat out more than 70 other applicants from across Canada for the municipality’s top job.
“My vision for the city is one where creativity and innovation thrive, financial accountability is a given and co-operative problem solving is the prevailing culture,” Gilchrist said in a release.
“I see a corporation that is diverse and inviting to all, and also one that attracts top talent and hires the best,” he said.
Gilchrist has held a variety of senior managerial roles at City Hall. They include portfolios such as real estate, community development and planning.
He graduated from the UBC Sauder School of Business in urban land economics, and worked for the provincial and federal governments before joining the city.
The city fielded more than 70 applications, and several short-listed candidates were interviewed in person.
“In the end, we found that the best candidate to fill this role was within our organization,” Mayor Colin Basran said. “Doug has the organizational and community knowledge needed to provide continuity while also getting our organization ready to meet the challenges our city is going to face in the years ahead.”
Deputy city manager Joe Creron has been acting city manager since Mattiussi retired. Creron did not apply for the top job, citing the fact he was near to retirement himself.