A nation-wide search for a new city manager has ended — right on the City of Red Deer’s own doorstep.
Red Deer’s interim city manager Tara Lodewyk will officially assume the job she has already been acting in for more than a year. City Council unanimously appointed her as new city manager on Friday.
A nation-wide search was launched after the unexpected retirement of Allan Seabrooke in May 2021. Lodewyk has been interim City Manager since that time.
“City Council and all city staff are incredibly thankful to Tara Lodewyk for continuing to lead our organization through these challenging times, ” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “We know we have chosen the right person to lead our organization, as she has done so magnificently through some of the hardest few years our world has seen.”
Consulting group, Janet Soles and Associates conducted a Canada-wide search, reaching out to over 250 people and interviewed over 40 people for the role. The city’s own search committee conducted first-round interviews in April, and then in May, city council participated in second round interviews.
“I am incredibly grateful to Council and the City Manager Recruitment Committee for giving me the opportunity to continue to lead our organization on a more permanent basis, providing more stability and consistency for our community and our staff,” said Lodewyk on Friday.
“I have a strong and supportive administrative team in addition to the ten years of leadership experience, solid community relationships and knowledge. I love this city, I love our people, and look forward to leading us through what will no doubt be a challenging, but promising, future.”
A City Manager is the head of administration, who leads the organization and provides the link between City Council and other levels of government, the community, and administration.
Tara Lodewyk has been with The City since 2010, holding positions such as manager of planning services and general manager /deputy manager of development and protective services. Originally from Melville, Sask., she arrived in Red Deer with her husband and two children in 2000, and has been active in the community.
Johnston feels Lodewyk’s dedication, along with her background in management and planning, will be important building blocks. “On behalf of City Council, congratulations Tara on this appointment.”
She will officially assume the job on July 1.