Michael James
The Drumheller Mail
A local to the area will be starting his first day as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Town of Hanna in April.
Kim Neill, a native of Morrin, was named as the replacement for retiring CAO Geraldine Gervais at the February 12 meeting of Town Council.
“We’re looking forward to him coming in, not that we want Geraldine to leave, but he’ll help us move the town forward in the direction we want to go,” said Mayor Mark Nikota.
“It’s a big transition. We hired a professional company to find the right person for us. The Council and community has a certain direction and vibe, so you want to find the right person who will have the same vision. You need to cast a wide net to find the best candidate and I think we got that.”
Neill attended the University of Alberta where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Administration, majoring in management and supervision. He has also completed his Local Government Certificate and a certificate in Municipal Management and Leadership at the University of Alberta Business School.
He worked for the Town of Hanna as the Director of Community Services in the 90s and spent the last 13 years working in the same capacity for the Town of Stony Plain.
Gervais announced her retirement after serving the Town since August 2004. In a letter to Hanna’s residents, Gervais expressed a desire to spend more time with her family.
Afterwards, the process began to select a replacement.
“People may not realize the job they do and key role they play. It’s the CAO that holds everything together. They bridge the gap between the community and council's wishes, and what is possible in the budget,” said Nikota. “It’s a very important job.”
Gervais’ last day is scheduled for April 30. For the next month, she will instruct Neill on what he needs to know for the task ahead.
“It’s great, we’re getting a local guy to come back. He went out into the world and got some experience, and now he’ll be bringing it back. He knows the area and the town,” said Nikota. “We’re expecting great things.”
