Council appoints Tracy Samra as Nanaimo's new Chief Administrative Officer

Summary

Tracy Samra has been named Nanaimo's new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Councillor Bestwick made the announcement during the March 7th Council meeting.

Ms Samra joins the City with over 20 years experience working in the federal, provincial and aboriginal public sectors where she held roles as a senior government administrator, lawyer and consultant in the areas of governance, policy development and service delivery.

Prior to her March 7th appointment, Ms Samra successfully served as the City’s Interim City Manager from November 17, 2015 through March 2016. During this period she oversaw the administration of several important Council and staff initiatives including an organizational restructuring, development of the Provisional 2016 Financial Plan and the commencement of the Core Services Review.

Link to Strategic Plan: N/A

Key Points

  • Ms Samra was selected from over 50 applicants for the position, with interest having been received from across Canada and from the United States.
  • The Selection Committee, comprised of all of Council, conducted interviews with shortlisted applicants in late February.

Quotes

"As Nanaimo's new CAO, Tracy will bring tremendous energy to both her role and our organization. Council is now eager to get on with the work we have planned over the coming months; it is reassuring to have this critical position filled."

Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"I am very happy that the executive search has come to such a favourable conclusion. Ms Samra was a strong candidate and the right choice and I look forward to working with her over the remainder of the council term."

Councillor
City of Nanaimo

"The appointment of Ms Samra to the permanent position of City Manager is a positive step for the City of Nanaimo. In just over three months as Interim City Manager, Ms Samra demonstrated her leadership capabilities. Council looks forward to working closely with Ms Samra moving forward"

Councillor
City of Nanaimo

"I am humbled by the overwhelming support from Council. I am excited about supporting Council's vision for the community. We have a committed staff and a great City - there are so many opportunities for our shared future and I look forward to being a part of it."

Chief Administrative Officer
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • Ms Samra has a Master of Laws from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Victoria and holds executive training experience from the Canada School of Public Service. She was called to the bar in 1996.
  • She will serve as Nanaimo's first female and first aboriginal CAO.
  • She was previously employed by the City of Nanaimo where she held the role of Corporate Officer, serving as the Legislative Services Manager for a period of six months.

Attachments

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Contact:

John Van Horne
Human Resources Director
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4427

Print News Release

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