Another Senior Manager Leaves The City

The city has lost another senior manager … this time through retirement.

Given its rather tarnished reputation, the city is having trouble hiring replacements. Management types who are upwardly mobile see Ottawa’s municipal government as a minefield.

So it will be interesting to see how long this vacancy stays open. Longer perhaps than the planning general manager? Or are the delays just a way to save money on salaries?

This is a release from the City of Ottawa:

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The purpose of this memo is to inform Members of Council that after 35 years of service, Kim  Ayotte, General Manager (GM) of Emergency and Protective Services (EPS), will be retiring from  the City of Ottawa, effective June 15, 2024.

Kim has done an outstanding job in his role as GM of EPS during one of the most challenging  times our organization has experienced. Since 2021, Kim has led the EPS team through the  City’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the truck demonstration, two major  explosions and several unprecedented weather events. Kim’s extensive experience and  leadership skills were critical in guiding the City’s response to these and other emergencies.

A dedicated member of the EPS team since 2003, Kim has served in several senior management  positions prior to being named GM, including the City’s Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and Chief of  Special Operations. During this time, Kim’s analytical and disciplined manner made him  indispensable in overseeing a number of cross-functional teams. As Chief, Kim was also a  champion of an improved recruitment strategy focusing on diversity and worked hard to ensure a  safe and inclusive Fire Service for all members.

Kim has been widely recognized for his dedication to emergency services, having received the  Governor General Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal for 20 and 30 years of service, as well  as the Fire Service Long Service Medal for 25 years of service.

Kim will be missed by his team for his commitment to coaching, mentoring and putting his people  first. Around the senior leadership table, we will miss Kim for his calm demeaner, logical  approach and sound advice.

Please join me in thanking Kim for his dedication to the City of Ottawa, staff and residents, and  wishing him all the best as he prepares for his next chapter.

The City has started the executive recruitment process for the new GM of EPS through Keynote  Search and the position will be posted in the coming days. Kim will continue to serve as GM while  the recruitment process takes place, and the Mayor and Members of Council will be advised on  the outcome once complete.

The senior leadership team (SLT) has invested significantly over the past several years in  building a robust succession plan and talent management strategy to ensure the long-term  success of the organization. Succession planning continues to be a key strategic priority for SLT  to ensure potential successors are equipped with the leadership skills and capabilities required to  compete for new career opportunities as they arise, stabilize the workforce and prepare for the  future in the face of ongoing retirements at leadership levels.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.  Sincerely,

Wendy Stephanson

City Manager

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Extended Senior Leadership Team

Nathalie Gougeon, Auditor General

Sonia Bebbington, Ottawa Public Library

Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa Public Health

Chief Eric Stubbs, Ottawa Police Services

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