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City of Cranbrook CAO to Officially Retire

After 14 years of service, Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Staudt will retire, with his final day being Thursday March 24
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Wayner Staudt

After 14 years of service to the City of Cranbrook, CAO Wayne Staudt will retire on March 24, 2016.

Stuart, who has served in the CAO capacity since 2012, has previously announced his intention to retire, however, he postponed it in order to help the new mayor and council get their feet under them after the 2014 election.

The City is currently involved in a recruitment process and hopes to make an announcement in the near future. An interim CAO position will be appointed until a permanent candidate is hired.

Staudt, who has lived in Cranbrook since 1978, joined the city administration in 2002 as the Director of Finance before taking on CAO duties and has worked with six councils and four mayors over his tenure.

“I would like to thank Mayor Pratt and his councillors for the confidence they have shown in me as a new council in 2014,” said Staudt. “I have enjoyed working with all the mayors and councils over the years and have tremendous appreciation for the contributions each has made to the City’s sustainability and the quality of life enjoyed by its residents.”

Stuart notes the city’s Asset Management Plan was one of the most significant accomplishments during his tenure because it will help prioritize infrastructure projects. Other significant projects Staudt is proud of includes the recent announcement of $2.8 million in government gas tax funding for the Idlewild Rehabilitation project, the completion of the new fire hall and training centre, and the successful resolution of a number of legal cases.

During his time as Director of Finance, Staudt’s accomplishments included the termination of the P3 agreement with Keen Rose at the Rec Plex, construction of the new library, the new air terminal building and the expansion of the runway at the Canadian Rockies International Airport and leading the city’s budgeting process for a decade.

“One person can’t accomplish much on his own,” said Staudt, “so the success I have enjoyed at the City is due to the significant contributions of Council and staff at all levels.”

At a regular city council meeting on Monday, Mayor Lee Pratt and his fellow councillors took time to acknowledge Staudt for his service to the city.

“Wayne’s knowledge of city affairs and legislative procedure were very helpful to us in some of the decisions we made over the past year,” said Pratt. “Wayne’s patience and understanding was invaluable to us in many ways. I have enjoyed working with him. We wish Wayne all the best in his retirement activities along with good health an happiness.”

Stuart said he is anticipating his retirement and joked that even though he won’t be at city hall, he will still have his eyes on council.

“It’s really been an honour to work with you and I really enjoyed it,” Staudt said. “You have an excellent mayor and council and you’ve got an excellent staff. I think the city is in great hands and I’m looking forward to my retirement.

“I’ll be watching you and if you ever need any free advice, give me a call. I’ll be happy to help anybody at any time.”



Trevor Crawley

About the Author: Trevor Crawley

Trevor Crawley has been a reporter with the Cranbrook Townsman and Black Press in various roles since 2011.
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