City appoints Kim Fowler Chief Sustainability Officer

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is taking steps to significantly enhance the development of its strategic planning with the appointment of Kim Fowler to the role of Chief Sustainability Officer. Ms. Fowler, who previously held positions with the City of Victoria (Divisional Manager, Regulatory & Development Services and Director of Sustainability), the City of Port Coquitlam (Director of Development Services) and the City of Red Deer (Director of Planning Services Division) will work with the CAO and senior staff to develop department and divisional business plans that advance Council's priorities through the creation of City policy. She is scheduled to begin her new role the first week of December.

Link to Strategic Plan: Governance Renewal - this priority guides Council and staff in renewing the City’s capacity to effectively and efficiently serve the residents of our community.

Key Points

  • This position will work closely with Directors in the development of departmental business plans and in the monitoring and evaluating of programs and projects aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and achieving operational efficiencies.
  • The introduction of the Chief Sustainability Officer supports the phased and integrated approach to organizational restructuring which the City began undertaking in June 2016 as it prepares to implement recommendations outlined in the recently completed Core Services Review.
  • Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, this position was one of several created following an examination of the City's management needs in conjunction with efforts to fill vacant positions.

Quotes

"This position was created as part of the implementation of the core services review. I believe someone of Kim's calibre and breadth of experience in the municipal sector will benefit the city. Kim brought a lot to the table during the interview process that exceeded our vision of the position we originally proposed. She will be leading several key initiatives, and with her track record of innovation and focus on sustainability, she is an ideal fit."

Chief Administrative Office
City of Nanaimo

"I look forward to the privilege of working with the City of Nanaimo and community partners on key initiatives as the Chief Sustainability Officer. Sustainability integrates economic, environmental and socio-cultural principles and values to improve plans, policies and projects. It strategically assists in managing risk, assessing opportunities and achieving quality services."

Chief Sustainability Officer
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • With over 26 years of working with local government, Ms. Fowler is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Planning Institute of BC with a Master’s of Science in Planning.
  • She has authored over 30 publications and presentations on local sustainability issues for governments, professionals and the general public.
  • She is an adjunct professor at Vancouver Island University’s new masters in planning program and is currently writing a book on Dockside Green.
  • Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Planning and Environmental Planning and a Bachelor of Science in Biophysical Science, both from the University of Toronto.
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Contact:

Tracy Samra
Chief Administrative Officer
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4401

Print News Release

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