INNISFAIL - The town has pinched a respected and valued Town of Olds manager to be Innisfail's new director of community services.
Last week, the Town of Innisfail announced Michelle Honeyman, the manager of Olds' community services department for the past six years, accepted her new role in Innisfail, which has been vacant since Henry Wong left the post last January. Honeyman will start her new position in Innisfail on May 14.
Doug Wagstaff, the director of community services for the Town of Olds, said Honeyman's departure is a "mixed blessing" for his municipality.
"We value the fact that It's great to see our employees grow. We have some great things here for employees that once they have experienced and have been part of building here in Olds, it makes them attractive for other municipalities," said Wagstaff, adding Honeyman, who previously worked for Mountain View County for five years, excelled in her occupational, health and safety duties. He added Honeyman was also valued for her disaster services experience, as well as for her expertise on tourism, FCSS and recreation issues. "She is very strong and well rounded in the area of community services."
As for Honeyman's experience with public engagement, a critically important issue for Innisfail, Wagstaff said his soon to be departed manager's people skills are "excellent."
"Anyone who has successfully been in community services for any amount of time has those in spades. That has certainly been what has made her successful," he said. "Community engagement is something she has been helping the Town of Olds be part of building in the last five years, the last three intently. She brings great experience that way for the Town of Innisfail."
Todd Becker, Innisfail's chief administrative officer, said Honeyman was selected from a slate of 42 applicants from across Western Canada, which was narrowed down to just three.
"She has a very diverse and balanced skill set. What I really liked about her is that she is a trained facilitator," said Becker. "She has the ability to help groups through user group and public group engagements, along with the balance of recreation as well as social programming. Michelle is also a trained coach, which she will help grow and nurture staff in the department.
"And she has just a solid personality, very engaging and approachable -- just a good person," added Becker.
As for priorities when she arrives, Becker said it's his view that 80 per cent of her job will be public relations.
"It is my expectation for her to get involved and meet the staff and help them move along with their operational plans but also to get out into the public, meet the citizens and get in front of user groups," said Becker.
"Yes, I want her front and centre as council expects," added Becker. "As CAO I have similar expectations of that position and that is being involved and connected to the community. This position is very public natured. To be successful that relationship needs to be established."
