After a thorough recruitment process involving over 48 local and national candidates, Council unanimously approved the recommendation of the Council recruitment and selection committee to offer the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to Pitt Meadows' Director of Finance Mark Roberts. Roberts has been acting CAO since last December when former CAO Kim Grout left to head up the Agricultural Land Commission.

Roberts has worked with the City since 2013 as the Director of Finance and Facilities, after 14 years with the City of Port Moody as Manager, Financial Services. He has been credited with numerous enhancements to city's budgeting and reporting systems as well as engagement initiatives. An engaged resident himself, he has been actively involved in his hometown of Anmore, serving on both the Planning Council and Finance Committees.

"Mark certainly is well versed in Council's priorities of fiscal management and business/strategic planning," said Mayor John Becker.

"He has a successful track record for financial and change management and a reputation for achieving results. Council looks forward to working with Mark to ensure that we have strong open relationships with all of the city's stakeholders and we continue to promote organizational transparency and Council's strategic objectives."

Mark Roberts, new City of Pitt Meadows Chief Administrative Officer

As Council's key employee, the position was critical to fill with the right person quickly. Heading into 2016, Council, CAO and staff are moving forward on many key initiatives including the Parks and Recreation transition plan, community development, and addressing transportation pressures that the growing community is facing.

"I am delighted to fill this role at this exciting time in Pitt Meadows," said Roberts. "With so many issues facing the community and new beginnings on the horizon I am looking forward to playing a role in growing Pitt Meadows' future."

The City will now be undertaking a recruitment process to find a replacement Director of Finance.