City Council is pleased to announce that Dion Pollard has been appointed as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the City of Lacombe, effective April 24, 2017.

“Council is convinced that Dion is the right choice for this critical position given his considerable experience and his passion for public service,” said Mayor Steve Christie.

“We believe he will fit into our organization with minimal disruption to ongoing initiatives, and look forward to working with him as we work to achieve our strategic vision.”

“I feel privileged to be provided the opportunity to become the next CAO for the City of Lacombe,” said Dion Pollard.

“I look forward to working in my new community, meeting new people, and continuing the good work of City Council and staff in making the City of Lacombe an even better place to love, work, play and do business. My family is also looking forward to becoming part of our new community.”

Prior to his new role at the City of Lacombe, Dion Pollard served as the Town Manager/CAO for the Town of Vermilion from 2011-2017, and before that as the Town’s Director of Community Services from 2003-2010.

Dion began his municipal career with the Town of St. Paul’s Department of Parks and Recreation in 1998.

Dion has a Physical Education Degree with a major in Sport and Leisure Management/minor in Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, and has completed the Local Government Certification Program through the University of Alberta- Faculty of Extension Government Studies.

Dion Pollard was born and raised in Lloydminster, Alberta.

He is married to Tannis, and has three children: Lauren (16), Bryn (14), and Brenden (10).

Dion enjoys many sporting activities, including hockey, softball, baseball, skiing and summer camping.

He referees hockey in the winter months.

 

CAO Selection Process:

Upon the retirement of former CAO Norma MacQuarrie in late 2016, a succession plan was developed and adopted by Council.

Included in that plan was a recruitment process set to commence in January 2017.

The position was advertised locally and nationally, and attracted much interest from many qualified individuals.

After a comprehensive review and scoring of the candidates, Council shortlisted five worthy individuals, and interviews were arranged for February 9, 2017.

The interview panel consisted of the a
Mayor, members of Council (with the exception of one Councillor) and was facilitated by the Human Resources Manager.

Upon conclusion of the interviews, the applicants were rated by the participating members of Council, and after much deliberation, Dion Pollard was selected as the successful candidate.