INNISFAIL - The town has hired a new director of operational services.
Steven Kennedy, who has worked on and off for the town as a consultant for the past 16 years -- mainly on municipal infrastructure replacement -- has accepted an offer for the new full-time senior management position left vacant by the sudden departure of Rod Fraser early last month.
Before accepting his new permanent position with the Town of Innisfail Kennedy was with Tagish Engineering in Red Deer. He was also working for the town on an interim basis in a related capacity since early July while the operational services position was vacant.
Kennedy was introduced as the new director of operational services at town council's Aug. 12 regular meeting. He officially begins his new role on Aug. 20.
Todd Becker, the town's chief administrative officer, told council that Kennedy, a career civil technologist with 23 years experience in the engineering field, is well acquainted with important civic projects and brings a wealth of experience in engineering, infrastructure management and project co-ordination. Becker specifically noted his past work with many local initiatives, including the golf course waterline and lagoon remediation projects.
Following council's meeting on Aug. 12 Kennedy told the Province he is looking forward to the challenges his new position will offer.
"I am excited to take on a new role. My whole career has been municipal engineering. I am getting on the town side of things. It is going to be a new challenge. I'm excited and I am looking forward to it," he said, adding he has worked with Becker in the past in Rocky Mountain House. "There is great staff here so far who I have met through working with Tagish."
Mayor Jim Romane said he was pleased with the new appointment, adding Kennedy will be following up on the many local projects currently underway.
"He is quite familiar with all of them and the town. I think it is a real great move for Innisfail to get Steven on board here," said Romane. "I am very pleased. He is a nice fellow; a great communicator with the public . We are pretty damn fortunate to get a guy of his calibre."
