City hires new CAO

By Medicine Hat News on December 20, 2022.

Medicine Hat has hired a new top administrator.

Ann Mitchell, the current manager of Lethbridge County, will start the city manager’s position on Feb. 6.

“We are excited to have Ann bring her experience in the role of CAO,” said Mayor Linnsie Clark. “We are confident that we will grow and thrive under her leadership.”

Mitchell has served as the chief administrative officer of Lethbridge County since May 2018. Previous to that, she was the top administrator in several rural municipalities in Ontario, dating back to 2005.

“I’m thrilled to to join this progressive council and administrative team,” said Mitchell in a prepared statement. “I look forward to leading this organization in the implementation of council’s vision for the community.”

She takes over from interim city manager Glenn Fletham, who was hired as a temporary fit in the spring. Former city manager Bob Nicolay left the post in early 2022, shortly after this year’s budget amendments were adopted.

In the meantime, the acting city manager’s position will with handled by Rochelle Pancoast, head of city hall’s strategic management and analysis office.

Coun. Darren Hirsch took the opportunity to thank Feltham for his service.

“Your perspective has been well-appreciated,” he told Fletham, a former top university administrator, during the announcement. “Your evaluation of the city as someone coming in, your feedback has been invaluable.”

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