In an in-camera session at the April 14 town council meeting councillors took the final step in replacing former town CAO Tony Goode with a new body.
Lucian Cloutier begins his duties Aug. 5, until then acting CAO Melissa Beebe will remain in the position. “Graciously the council there has allowed my stepkids (sic) to finish their school year, and I’m very appreciative of that. And it allows me to finish up a few things,” said Cloutier.
Once Cloutier is in place Beebe will return to her previous position of assistant CAO and land develop officer.
Cloutier was one of the final three contenders for the position supplied to council by The HR Group headhunters. “Lucian was the unanimous consent of council,” said Mayor Rick Pankiw.
During a two-part, “positive” interview process Cloutier met with the mayor and attended the final interview with Pankiw, council and The HR Group consultant.
With more than 23 years’ experience in municipal government, Cloutier currently works for the Municipal District of Greenview. “I was looking for an opportunity for advancement within the field of municipal government.”
“When I came across the opportunity in Rimbey it certainly piqued my interest,” he added.
One of the biggest draws for Cloutier to the Rimbey position was the chance to get to know the people of a small, central Alberta town and help them advance their community into what they “wish and dream” for it to be.