ST. PAUL - After reviewing many qualified applications and interviewing a handful of people, Town of St. Paul council opted to offer the position of CAO to a familiar face.
Steven Jeffery will take over as CAO on July 1, 2021.
Jeffery was originally hired as Director of Public Works for the Town of St. Paul in 2018, and is born and raised in the area. Jeffery, who also holds the title of assistant CAO, began his career in municipal government with the County of St. Paul at a young age.
From working as a summer student, to learning how to operate various pieces of equipment in road construction, Jeffery feels that all his experience and previous positions have lead him to take on this new type of leadership.
He credits having fantastic support from past and present managers - along with the support of his family - as being key factors in why he decided to put his name forward for the position of CAO.
When asked why he decided to apply for the position, Jeffery says, "It's more a question of 'why not?"
And adds, "I thought I was ready to lead the team."
Jeffery says he "started on a shovel" when he began working for the County of St. Paul. He eventually moved into a leadership role in the office and finished his career with the County as a Public Works supervisor.
He says he loved his time working with the County, and sometimes still misses the work, as it involved dealing with many diverse situations.
But, when the position of Director of Public Works with the Town of St. Paul came up, he decided to put his name forward. He didn't have much experience working in an urban centre, so there was a steep learning curve. But, he had a good team underneath him, and it was a quick and good transition.
Jeffery says he's a "competitor" by nature, and often finds himself involved in situations that require a team setting.
“I love to collaborate. I love to bring people together," he says, adding, when he had the time, he even found himself coaching high school sports.
When Jeffery officially takes on the role as CAO in early July, he doesn't anticipate any big changes, but instead will focus on continuing to do "the amazing work" that current CAO Kim Heyman has done over the past three-and-a-half years.
He's not coming into the role to make drastic changes, but rather provide cohesiveness.
July will no doubt be a busy month for the Jeffery family - his wife is due with their third child near the end of the month. Jeffery says his wife has always been one of his strongest supporters.
“She’s always got my back."
Speaking to the community, Jeffery says he is very excited to start in his new role, foster relationships that are already in place, and continue to grow new ones.
To the council members who have put their faith in Jeffery, he says he is thankful for the opportunity and looks forward to continuing to work with them.
Mayor of St. Paul Maureen Miller says that all applicants for the position of CAO were strong, "but what stood out, and ultimately lead us to offer Steven the position of CAO was our already established experience with his integrity, work ethic and leadership qualities."
The mayor says Jeffery has been collaborating alongside Heyman in his role as assistant CAO, and he already has a full understanding of the challenges the community is facing.
CAO Heyman
Following a transition period, Heyman will be leaving the Town of St. Paul, and has her sights set on retirement.
"We have been extremely fortunate to have had the guidance of our present CAO," says Miller. Heyman, who is also a former CAO for the County of St. Paul, "was forthright when we hired her that it would be for approximately a four-year term."
The mayor speaks highly of Heyman, saying it is with her guidance that the Town has been able to successfully complete its Intermunicipal Development Plan and the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework. Both are large agreements with the Town's neighbouring municipalities.
She was also instrumental in acquiring additional funds from both the federal and provincial governments for the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Heyman assisted the Town in navigating through the process of expropriating lands to protect a natural watercourse, which ultimately protects town infrastructure and residents' homes.
Heyman's work with the Town's Land Use Bylaw and its Strategic Plan are also notable, says the mayor.
"This is just a few of our major accomplishments with Kim’s recommendation and support," says Miller. "She is leaving us with concrete processes and plans for the future."
The mayor adds, "On a personal level, Kim has been an amazing CAO for us to work with. Her example of community at the forefront of all decisions has left a strong example for us to follow." Council will miss having Heyman as part of its team, but they are excited for her to "reap the benefits of retirement and the next adventures she will now have time to enjoy."
