Port Moody names new city manager

The City of Port Moody has named a replacement for the municipality’s outgoing city manager.

Anna Mathewson will take over the city’s head administrative position from Tim Savoie, who plans to retire on February after working for the city for 21 years.

Mayor Meghan Lahti said the city had been searching for candidates from across and outside the province, but eventually decided to draw from its own ranks.

“We are confident that Anna’s leadership skills and expertise will be an asset to the City and the Port Moody community,” Lahti said.

Mathewson has been employed as the city’s general manager of community services for nearly two years.

Now she’s stepping into the top job where she’ll be guiding all operations and staff as they provide advice and recommendations to council, as well as leading the city as it tries to accomplish this council’s strategic plan.

Lahti said Mathewson has led several important projects for the city, including its Urban Forest Management Strategy, parks master planning and strategy initiatives, and enhanced emergency weather response procedures, as well as numerous capital projects for her department.

She added Mathewson has improved the city’s organizational work around accessibility and  truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

As a registered professional planner and member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, Mathewson previously worked as the City of Abbotsford’s director of environmental services prior to moving to Port Moody.

There she oversaw solid waste management, as well as the city’s sustainability and climate portfolio.

She has also worked as the manager of sustainability for the City of Surrey, spearheading sustainability projects for the parks, recreation, and culture departments, as well as directly for the city manager.

Mathewson received her undergraduate degree from McGill University, as well as her master’s degree from SFU in resource management, focusing on sustainable community development.

She also sits on the Community Energy Association’s board of directors, and has mentored planning students for many years, according to the city.