City of New Westminster appoints new Chief Administrative Officer

New Westminster, BC – After a national executive search, the City of New Westminster has appointed a new Chief Administrative Officer. Lisa Spitale will assume her new role on June 1^st.

“We began our search for a new Chief Administrative Officer last October and were very impressed with the high calibre of candidates who applied,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “In the end, we found the perfect candidate right here within our organization.”

Lisa Spitale began her career with the City of New Westminster as a planner in 1992. She was promoted to Assistant Director of her department in 1996 and in 1999 became the Director of Strategic Services, overseeing business and liquor licensing, economic development and bylaw enforcement. In 2007, she assumed her current role as Director of Development Services. Under her guidance, the City developed a new Downtown Official Community Plan that was recognized with a merit award from the International Downtown Association in 2010. In addition, she oversaw development of New Westminster’s Affordable Housing Strategy, Industrial Land Strategy and award-winning Westminster Pier Park Master Plan as well as a Development Assistance Compensation (DAC) agreement that has seen $60 million in projects currently underway or completed throughout New Westminster.

“Our city is moving forward on a number of great initiatives that are positioning us as the place to be in Metro Vancouver,” said Mayor Wright. “Lisa’s energy, talents and deep knowledge of our community will be tremendous assets as she assumes her new leadership role.”

Spitale takes over from Paul Daminato who retired as CAO earlier this year.

“I’m extremely proud and honoured to be assuming the position of CAO,” said Spitale. “Our organization is blessed with hard-working, talented staff and a committed and engaged City Council. These are exciting times for New Westminster and I look forward to working with my colleagues, council, and the community in meeting the challenges - and opportunities - that lie ahead for our city.”

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Contacts:            
Blair Fryer, Manager of Communications and Economic Development
City of New Westminster
bfryer@newwestcity.ca or 604-527-4688