THUNDER BAY – After seven years, City Manager Tim Commisso announced today he is retiring at the end of October 2015. “He is a dedicated City Manager and has been an effective Administrative leader and advisor to successive City Councils,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs. “On behalf of City Council and the citizens of Thunder Bay, I would like to thank Mr. Commisso for his many contributions, strong financial and strategic leadership through specific programs such as enhanced infrastructure renewal and major economic development initiatives including the Mining Readiness Strategy.
“Hiring the City Manager is one of the most important decisions Council makes,” said Mayor Hobbs, adding that the City Manager provides strategic leadership and overall administration to the City’s five departments, develops Corporate Policy and provides advice to Council about City organization and operating procedure. The City will now request proposals from search firms to find potential successors for Council’s consideration and selection.
The announcement comes days after Darrell Matson has retired.
Mr. Commisso is retiring after more than 34 years as a municipal government official. He began his career with the City of Thunder Bay then spent 20 years (1988 to 2008) in successively senior positions with the City of Burlington. Over his career, Mr. Commisso has worked for 10 different City Councils including eight mayors in Thunder Bay and Burlington. Since 2008, he has also served as a Director of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.
“I started with the City in April 1981 and worked with Dave Siciliano and a great team to open the Canada Games Complex as a City-run facility in September of that year,” said Mr. Commisso. “I’m ending my career after seven years as City Manager, a position that, while challenging every day, is both absolutely an honour and a privilege to hold. I love my home town as well as the entire NWO Region where most of my family resides.
“I’m truly inspired by the passion and dedication of Mayor Hobbs and all Members of Council, City staff and the many people who work so hard to make our City great. I’m proud of our accomplishments in recent years including the commitment to increased infrastructure renewal and addressing difficult and long standing social issues like crime prevention and substance use and putting a priority on diversity and respect.
“I am part of a more traditional generation, having worked all my career in municipal government. The world is changing and a new generation of leaders is emerging. It’s important to know when to step aside and let the leaders of tomorrow have the same opportunity I’ve had over my career. We have a great staff team at the City with the ability for many to assume a greater leadership role.
“There will be time closer to the actual retirement date for me to really reflect more on what’s been accomplished and what has yet to be done. For now, I’ll be working hard until the very last day and assisting Council with the transition including succession planning across all areas as required.”
