Appointment of Interim City Manager
On January 27, 2014 City Council appointed Chief Financial Officer Eric Sawyer as interim City Manager. This interim appointment will come into effect at noon on January 30 to coincide with the retirement of current City Manager Owen Tobert.
“As CFO, Eric Sawyer is a natural choice for Council due to his familiarity with The City of Calgary, its operations and staff,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Eric’s strong understanding of The City’s finances will ensure good stewardship of Administration as it continues its four-year budget and business planning process – Action Plan ’15-’18.” Eric Sawyer is already located in the City Manager’s Office and works with other members of the Administrative Leadership Team on a daily basis. This will ensure continuity for the organization as the search for the permanent City Manager continues.
Through the interim period, there will be no major changes to the organization as The City of Calgary continues to provide exceptional service to citizens and the community. As part of the appointment, all powers, duties and functions of the City Manager will become the responsibility of the interim City Manager. On his appointment, Eric says, “I’m looking forward to the new challenges presented to me and will work with my colleagues across The City of Calgary to meet the expectations of Council in the delivery of quality public service.”
As Mr. Sawyer takes on the temporary role, Beng Koay (City Treasurer, Director of Finance & Supply) will become Acting CFO. These appointments will last until such time as the search for a permanent City Manager is concluded and that individual is able to assume the role. The interview process will be completed soon and the sub-committee’s recommendations are anticipated to be presented to Council in February.
The City of Calgary would like to recognize and thank retiring City Manager, Owen Tobert, for 32 years of outstanding public service and wish him all the best as he transitions to the next phase of his life.