THUNDER BAY – Norm Gale is the City of Thunder Bay’s new manager. Thunder Bay City Council announced the appointment of Norm Gale as City Manager for the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay, effective immediately.
“We are pleased to appoint Norm Gale to this important role,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs. “A proven leader and exemplary relationship builder, Norm Gale is exactly the right person to provide strategic leadership and overall administration for the City. We are thrilled that our new City Manager developed and honed his leadership skills with the City of Thunder Bay. That says a lot about our succession planning efforts in recent years.”
Mr. Gale has been Acting City Manager since Oct. 5, 2015.
Prior to that, he was Chief of Superior North EMS with the City and District of Thunder Bay, a position he held since April 1, 2007. Mr. Gale was a front-line paramedic for more than a decade and has been employed in progressively senior leadership positions in EMS and the community. This followed a career in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, where Norm served as an Army communicator. Norm retired from the Army Reserve after 23 years of service.
Mr. Gale is a graduate of Confederation College’s paramedic program, has an Honours Degree in history and political science and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Lakehead University. Mr. Gale is Chair of the Thunder Bay District Board of Health, Vice President of the United Way of Thunder Bay, and the President of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs. He has been appointed to the Order of St. John and awarded the Canada Decoration.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be able to contribute to my home community in this leadership role,” said Mr. Gale. “I look forward to working with the Mayor and Council, a great staff team and community members to address the important strategic initiatives and issues affecting the City.”
The appointment concludes an extensive candidate search and a rigorous selection process.
In addition to providing strategic leadership and overall administration to the City, the City Manager develops Corporate Policy and provides advice to Council about City organization and operating procedure. He also heads one of five City departments: the City Manager’s Office, which includes Corporate Strategic Services, Legal Services and the Office of the City Clerk.
