Port Coquitlam looked far and wide for four months to find a new city manager but ended not having to look too far.
The city has hired Kristen Dixon as its chief administrative officer. Dixon is the city's current director of engineering and public works. She will take over on July 30 from John Leeburn, who announced his resignation in February to pursue other opportunities.
Dixon has been with the city for four years and has 13 years of municipal government experience having worked for the city of Kamloops previously.
"While we considered a number of outstanding external candidates for the job, council has been very pleased with the direction we've been moving in over the last few years with our great team of staff," said Mayor Greg Moore in a press release. "Kristen has been a lead in that work and has proven her exemplary leadership skills over and over again. She understands our organization and our community, and has the right energy to continue to move us forward."
The release said the posting attracted 50 applicants, and that ultimately "council decided that Dixon offered the right mix of experience, leadership skills, work ethic and personality to continue to build the success we've had as an organization," said Moore.
Dixon has been the lead on city projects such as the new $132 million recreation complex and overseeing the redevelopment of Blakeburn Lagoons Park.
"I'm very excited to be taking on this new role with the city," said Dixon in the release. "As a resident of this beautiful community, I have a strong understanding of what is important to our taxpayers, businesses and residents. As an employee, I have a solid understanding of what is important to our staff and look forward to making our community thrive."
Dixon is the sixth woman to be the top administrator in Metro Vancouver 21 municipalities joining CAOs in New Westminster, West Vancouver, Anmore, Belcarra and Bowen Island.
The city will now conduct a search for someone to head the engineering department.
