Owen Sound has hired its new city manager.
Tim Simmonds, 51, will start the position effective May 11. He will replace Wayne Ritchie, who is set to retire after more than 30 years in public service.
Simmonds comes to Owen Sound with more than 20 years of public sector experience. He most recently served as interim city manager in Vaughan. Simmonds has an extensive background in economic development. Prior to moving into the city manager's office in Vaughan, Simmonds was the city's director of economic development. His resume also includes time with the Town of Oakville as a senior economic development officer.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome Mr. Tim Simmonds to our senior management team. On behalf of Council, we look forward to working closely with him as we continue to position Owen Sound as the place where you want to live,” says Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy. “I also extend my sincere appreciation to City Manager Wayne Ritchie, who has been a truly great example of integrity, respect and dedication for our staff, citizens and Council. Mr. Ritchie stabilized our administration when it was needed and he was instrumental in pushing the city forward on many fronts. He has certainly left his mark on this city, and will be missed as he transitions into retirement.”
Simmonds says through the recruitment process as he started to take a look at Owen Sound, the more he examined the community he was really encouraged.
“And then through the interview process with the mayor and council, it was evident and really clear that the enthusiasm and positivity they had for the community just shone through,” explains Simmonds. “And that was contagious so to speak.”
Simmonds sees opportunity and growth potential for Owen Sound in developing it as a leader for the southern Georgian Bay area. He says Owen Sound has opportunities with the regional hospital, Georgian College and other key anchors in the community.
“From an economic development perspective, I think step one is for me to get in, really get to know the staff and planning process well … and then start to reach out to the business community itself and other stakeholders,” Simmonds says. “Once you start to understand and hear from them you can refine that plan or strategy. But, I think there are some great anchors in the area already.”
A family man, Simmonds, his wife Jill and four children will be moving to Owen Sound.
Owen Sound used a Toronto-based executive recruitment firm to solicit the hiring of its next city manager, The Phelps Group.