City hall chose one of its own to head up the public works department.
Lester Deane takes over as director of public works, replacing Brad Sacher who unexpectedly resigned in September 2015 after holding the position since 2009.
Deane has 30 years’ experience in engineering and joined the city’s public works department in 2003. He had been manager of engineering when he was tapped to assume the acting director position following Sacher’s departure.
Coun. Janice Lukes, chairwoman of the public works committee, made the announcement during Wednesday’s executive policy committee.
"I’m very pleased to be working with (Deane)," Lukes (South Winnipeg-St. Norbert) said. "Going forward he’s going to be doing great things in the role as director."
Before joining the city, Deane worked with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and later with Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation.
Deane is the fourth senior personnel appointment to occur at city hall since Brian Bowman was elected mayor in October 2014.
March 2015, Doug McNeil was hired away from the province, where he was the deputy minister of infrastructure and transportation. The CAO’s position had been held by senior staff on an interim basis since October 2013 when Phil Sheegl left the job amidst council concern over scandals involving several high-profile projects. COO Deepak Joshi was initially given the post of acting CAO but he was suspended by Bowman in January 2014 and retired the following month. COO Michael Jack was then acting CAO until McNeil’s arrival.
September 2015, John Kiernan, promoted to director of planning, property and development. Kiernan has been with the city since 1990, starting in the parks department as a strategic planner and project manager. He had been the manager of urban design since 2010. Kiernan replaced Barry Thorgrimson, who retired in December 2014.
November 2015, Felicia Wiltshire was hired to fill the newly created post of director of corporate communications. Prior to Wiltshire’s hiring, the head of corporate communications was a manager, Steve West, who in July 2015 was re-assigned to the newly created post of manager of strategic initiatives in the corporate support services department. Wiltshire has an extensive background in communications. Prior to joining the city, Wiltshire had been with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority as a senior communications and government relations specialist.