Shari Lichterman has been named chief administrative officer (CAO) of Greater Sudbury.
In a release issued Feb. 28, the city states that following an extensive search “that attracted 88 applicants from across Canada,” Lichterman has been selected and will begin her tenure effective March 19.
Greater Sudbury city council decided to dismiss CAO Ed Archer effectively immediately in October, which Mayor Paul Lefebvre didn’t explain in any great detail other than it being a change in direction for the city.
After Acher’s departure, city council redefined the CAO position, and by November, had the first meeting of the CAO Recruitment Committee. In the meantime, Kevin Fowke, general manager of corporate services, has acted as Interim CAO.
“On behalf of city council, I am pleased to welcome Shari Lichterman as our new chief administrative officer. We look forward to working together to continue building a strong, vibrant, and growing Greater Sudbury,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to Kevin Fowke for his leadership and dedication while serving as Interim CAO, and to the members of the CAO Hiring Committee for their time and efforts in selecting the new leader for our organization.”
The release from the city states that Lichterman has more than two decades of “progressive leadership experience across both the public and private sectors,” and was most recently the city manager and CAO for the City of Mississauga, the third largest city in Ontario and seventh largest in Canada. During her time in Mississauga, she also held a number of other senior leadership roles, including Commissioner of Corporate Services/Chief Financial Officer, Commissioner of Community Services, Director of Recreation, Chief Executive Officer for Tourism Mississauga, and board member for Alectra Utilities, Canada’s largest municipally owned electricity utility.
Prior to her time in Mississauga, Lichterman was the vice-president of eastern operations for Canlan Sports, and spent a decade as co-owner of a consulting and management firm providing services in both Canada and the United States, states the release. She is a graduate of Carleton University with a bachelor of commerce honours degree, holds designations as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant, and has a master’s certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University.
“I’m excited to join the team at the City of Greater Sudbury, and to join the community as a resident,” said Shari Lichterman. “I look forward to working with council, staff and stakeholders to deliver great services and key initiatives that support the city’s vision: to be a centre of excellence and opportunity, and a vibrant community of communities living together.”
The release states that as CAO, Lichterman will help “advance council’s strategic priorities, with a focus on key areas like growth and development, community wellbeing and housing and community safety.
Lichterman also “looks forward to relocating to Greater Sudbury with her family” states the release.
