City scoops administrator from Cranbrook

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 30, 2012 1:00 AM

Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky believes Will Pearce is exactly the person the city needs.  Pearce will take up new duties as chief administrative officer June 4. “He’s a very impressive fellow,” said Sawatzky, adding that Pearce’s knowledge and personality stood out. “He was our first choice and we’re thrilled that he agreed to come here.” Pearce is currently chief administrative officer for Cranbrook. During his 22-year career, he has also served Calgary and Regina in various management portfolios and was the  municipal manager for Okotoks, Alta. Pearce has been active in every community he has worked in. Currently, he is a director of Community Futures – East Kootenay and is a liaison to the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association. Pearce has also been involved in youth skill development in boarder cross and most recently ski cross, and many other snowboard competitive sports for more than 20 years. The City of Vernon received about 60 applications to fill the vacancy created when CAO Leon Gous left in late December to re-enter the private sector. Sawatzky admits the  search process for a replacement was challenging. “We were looking for someone with a master’s degree and we preferred someone with experience in a community similar to our size and with complex governance structures.” Sawatzky  doesn’t expect any immediate changes to how the city operates once Pearce’s duties begin. “We will give him a couple of months to see how things work and then we will proceed with the core service review. We will proceed in a methodical manner,” said Sawatzky.