The City of Yorkton has announced who will be taking the reins as the city manager. Lonnie Kaal, previously the Director of Finance for the past 20 years, has been named as the successor to Dave Putz, who retired after nine years in the position.
The city saw six applicants through the executive search process, conducted by Waterhouse Executive Search, with candidates from throughout Canada applying for the position.
"We had a good pool to select from, and as we went through the process it came down to one of our own. Having an internal candidate that strong was good for our process and I'm very happy for her, she's very capable," says Mayor Bob Maloney.
Bringing in an internal candidate for the position does have advantages, Maloney says, because it promises to be a smooth transition as Kaal transitions into her new role and responsibilities.
"She has probably forgotten more than I'll ever learn about the city. She's very well versed in every aspect of the city, she knows the staff. That's a tremendous asset."
Maloney says that the departing manager Dave Putz was a tremendous employee in his nine years at the helm and he believes Kaal will be the same now that she has assumed the city manager role.
The city is now looking at its options for Kaal's previous position as Director of Finance. Maloney expects a smooth transition there as well.
