Search continues to fill top job at City of Penticton

PENTICTON – The search for someone to fill the top administrative position at the City of Penticton has narrowed, while a new department head has been hired.

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit says advertising for the Chief Administrative Officer job has attracted over 100 applications and the city is compiling a short list and conducting initial interviews.

“We are still in the middle of the process, with no definitive timeline on a decision or announcement,” he says in an email. “We are excited with the calibre of the candidates from across the country with a myriad of experience from the private and public sector."

Meanwhile, Jules Hall recently joined city hall staff as the new Director of Development Services replacing Anthony Haddad.

Hall comes to the city after more than six years with the City of Calgary. He’s married with two young children, and is looking forward to working in the city.

He says he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to locate in Penticton, calling it a “beautiful part of the world to come to."

“I’m still trying to find my feet and understand the processes, but I’m very impressed with city staff and the Development Services personnel. They are professional, keen and customer focussed, open and approachable," he says. "I’m looking forward to assisting in maintaining all the great projects in the city."

Elsewhere in the region, the Village of Keremeos’ search for a new Chief Administrative Officer is over. At the May 25 council meeting, Cathy Cowan’s appointment to the position was approved.

Cowan has 24 years of experience in local government, including senior management positions in Oliver and at the Regional District Okanagan Similkakmeen. Her first day on the job will be July 6.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.