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CAO search fails to produce new city chief

Cranbrook will re-advertise for its top job after first round applicants disappointing

It's back to the drawing board in Cranbrook's search for a new city chief.

The City of Cranbrook has been looking for a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) since May, but the first round of applications failed to produce the right candidate.

"We conducted phone interviews with seven candidates, and an in-person interview with one candidate. Following these interviews, mayor and council did not find a suitable candidate and has decided not to proceed with any applicants from the initial posting for the CAO position," said Drew Miller, the city's human resources manager.

Former CAO Will Pearce vacated the position at the end of May to take a position in Vernon. He had been in the city's top job for eight years.

The city received 33 applications in the first round of the job posting, but ultimately decided not to proceed with any of those candidates.

"We will be reposting the position in September, and will continue with the recruitment process through the fall," said Miller.

In the meantime, the city's Director of Finance Wayne Staudt has been appointed Acting CAO.