The end of summer will mark a new beginning for Rimbey’s assistant CAO, who will move on to a new position in another municipality.
Ryan Maier has been hired as CAO for the Town of Athabasca, a community of close to 3,000 people, 145 kilometres north of Edmonton.
Maier, who has been employed by the Town of Rimbey since January 2010, and will leave on Sept. 14, is looking forward to the move.
“It is a step up, of course, but more importantly it (the move) works well for my family.”
Maier explained that his nine-year-old son, Bo, who is enrolled in French Immersion, was being driven to Sylvan Lake to attend school. However, once the family is settled in Athabasca, Bo will be able to attend school there, as French Immersion is offered.
“It will be great that he will be able to attend school in the same community where he lives,” he said, adding he worries about his family’s safety on the road while shuttling the youngster back and forth to school.
Before coming to Rimbey, Maier was employed by the communities of Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, Wainwright and Millet.
He has enjoyed working in Rimbey.
“It has been a great learning experience for me here and I am sure I will be able to utilize what I’ve learned while moving forward it my career. The councils that I’ve worked with are excellent people who all care about their community,” he added.
Mayor Sheldon Ibbotson said Maier will be missed.
“I’m sure he’ll make an excellent CAO in Athabasca. He’s well informed and he works hard.”
Maier is married to Sun Young, and the couple have two children, Bo and three-year-old Anna.
Melissa Beebe, the executive secretary for the town, will take over Maier’s position as assistant CAO/development officer.