Nanaimo council promotes deputy manager to top city job

Toby Gorman - Nanaimo News Bulletin Published: October 27, 2009 12:00 PM

Nanaimo city council officially installed Al Kenning as city manager on Monday. Kenning, formerly the deputy city manager, served as acting city manager since council voted 8-1 to dismiss former city manager Jerry Berry last month. Berry, 52, held the city manager position for 22 years and will receive full severance for two years – worth almost $500,000 – until eligible for a full pension in 2011.

Kenning will be paid an annual salary of $200,109. He received $198,262 as deputy manager, a role that is now eliminated from the city’s management structure.Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan said Kenning’s experience will serve the city well.“I know that Mr. Kenning is anxious to get to work on the serious challenges facing the community and council,” said Ruttan, adding that reviewing the city’s management structure will be a priority. Making recommendations on the upcoming 2010 budget and seeking budget solutions that meets council’s criteria will be one of Kenning’s first tasks, Ruttan said. Kenning has been employed with the city since 1987 and was previously director of finance and general manager of corporate services. After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a commerce degree, Kenning held senior positions with the B.C. Lottery Corporation and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.