BOWDEN -- Bowden chief administrative officer (CAO) Greg Skotheim is adjusting to his new role.
Skotheim, formerly manager of public works and infrastructure at the Town of Didsbury, was hired by town council in late March. His first day on the job was April 29 and he participated in his first council meeting on May 13.
Skotheim replaces James Mason who served as the town’s CAO from March 2016 until early July 2018. However, he had been on medical leave since Jan. 12, 2018.
Jacqui Molyneux, the town’s chief financial officer, served as acting CAO once Mason went on medical leave and after he and the town parted ways in July 2018.
The CAO is the top administrative post in the town office, overseeing town staff and carrying out the directives of town council.
The Albertan asked Skotheim how he's doing in his new job.
"This is the first time I've been a chief administrative officer in a small town. I've played different roles. I've also been acting in that role in certain periods of time," he said.
"So it's been a real challenge for me to first take this new position, but I've really enjoyed it. I really enjoy the people and the town. There's a positive atmosphere here. I enjoy the staff and my new responsibilities."
He said the biggest adjustment so far is getting to know the staff and getting used to the fact that his responsibilities are larger than ever before.
"I've been a public works person so I've been dealing with complaint issues and those type of things — snow removals, water breaks. And I'm still dealing with them, but I'm also dealing with the whole umbrella, I guess — all the issues of the town," he said.
Skotheim has some ideas on what he wants to do with the job, once he's fully settled in.
"I want to be a strong CAO. I want to see the town grow. I want to see a real strong economic development component to the town," he said.
Skotheim also wants to improve Bowden's infrastructure by ensuring that potholes and sidewalks are repaired as necessary.
He has another goal too.
"I want this town to be known as an efficient town. (That) we use the taxpayers' money efficiently and we do the right thing," he said.
