Red Deer city manager Allan Seabrooke has unexpectedly announced his retirement, just two years after taking the job.
“While my time in Red Deer is shorter than I initially envisioned, my decision to leave is personal in nature. As I am sure is true for many, the pandemic has brought with it new light to my personal experiences, as I seek to reconnect with family,” Seabrooke said in a statement.
“It is my sincere hope that we are through the worst of COVID-19, and as I leave this organization, I have the utmost confidence that I leave this city in goods hands with the current general management team and senior leadership that is in place at the City of Red Deer.”
In his time working with the city, he achieved a number of things, including the implementation of a multi-year budget, the establishment of business friendly practices, the reduction of red tape and completion of an organization structure.
In 2020, he helped save $7 million from the annual budget, after city staff was trimmed by five per cent.
Mayor Tara Veer said Seabrooke served the community with “a dedication” that has helped the city navigate social, economic and health challenges like it has never faced before.
“His commitment to transparency, accountability and creating a culture of excellence and responsiveness has resulted in positive and lasting changes within the organization and our community,” said Veer.
“The past year has challenged administrative leadership in extraordinary ways, and Allan’s pandemic response has been strong and resolute. As he leaves our organization, he leaves a legacy of stability, and we are thankful for all he has brought with him to the City of Red Deer. We wish Allan and Teresa all the best in retirement.”
Seabrooke’s retirement is May 21. Tara Lodewyk, deputy city manager, will take on the role of acting city manager until council proceeds with the next phase of its recruitment process.
Prior to coming to Red Deer, Seabrooke served as the chief administrative officer and commissioner of community of services with the City of Peterborough in Ontario. He has more than 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors.
“Serving in the public sector at a local level has afforded me the opportunity to connect with the community of Red Deer in meaningful and lasting ways,” said Seabrooke.
“I am honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute to this city and its citizens at a time when the many challenges we collectively face in Red Deer, Alberta and across the country, are forcing us to be increasingly innovative when it comes to municipal service delivery and meeting the needs of citizens.”
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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