- Organization: City of Powell River
- Posted: November 22nd, 2018
After a thorough search process, Powell River City Council has announced that it has selected a former member of its ranks to fill the position of Chief Administrative Officer. Two term Councillor and Forest Management professional Russell Brewer has been hired to replace the outgoing Mac Fraser who is set to retire in December 2018.
Mayor David Formosa says he was delighted when he heard that Brewer had applied for the position of CAO. “When Russell decided not to run for council in this past election, I was concerned the City was losing one of its best assets, so I was very pleased when he chose a different race…the vigorous process we undertook to find a new Chief Administrative Officer.”
Mayor Formosa says the search process attracted numerous applicants and that City staff and an external human resources consultant with a strong municipal background helped Council to reduce the list of candidates down to four finalists for the position. “The interview process was very robust and exciting, but in the end the choice was clear, and we selected one of our own. Russell has a deep and intimate knowledge of the City’s internal workings, its culture, and Council’s vision for the future of the community. Given his management experience with the B.C. Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, he has the knowledge, skill and drive to serve Powell River diligently and faithfully.”
Brewer is honoured to have been selected by Council to be the City’s next CAO. “I am passionately dedicated to public service and the long-term resiliency of Powell River. I am therefore delighted to continue serving this community in this new role. I am excited to continue building on the collaborative relationships we have with the Tla’amin Nation and the qathet Regional District as well as other agencies and organizations. I am thrilled to be working with such diligent and devoted staff at the City of Powell River and look forward to getting started.”
Russell Brewer is a Métis francophone from Saint Boniface, Manitoba. An avid cyclist and mountain biker, he moved to B.C. in 1990 and has lived in Powell River since 1998. He has two adult children, Zevier and Zoe. A Registered Professional Forester with a Science degree from the University of Manitoba and a Forestry degree from the University of B.C., he has owned and managed a forest management consulting firm and is currently a Resource Manager with the B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development. Brewer is currently President of the Powell River Cycling Association and Powell River Métis Society, and Treasurer for the Powell River Division of Family Practice. He is also a past President of Tourism Powell River, and past Treasurer for Sunshine Coast Tourism, Powell River Track and Field, and the Mountain Bike Tourism Association of BC. Russell served two terms on Powell River City Council from 2011 to 2018 and was recently elected as a Board Trustee with School District 47.
Brewer is expected to start in his new position as CAO in early December.
