(Waterloo, ON – Oct. 27, 2009) – The City of Waterloo announced today that Chief Administrative Officer Simon Farbrother has accepted a role with the City of Edmonton and will be joining that municipality as their new City Manager in January 2010. 

“We will be very sorry to see Simon leave Waterloo,” said Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran. “His collaborative and innovative approach to leadership has played a significant role in the growth of our organization and in the growth of our community.”

Since joining the City of Waterloo in 2005, Farbrother has been key to the success of several initiatives including a city-wide organization review, enhancing the strategic planning process, and building Waterloo’s leadership and organizational capacity. As well, Farbrother has led the administrative project team in the development of the west side YMCA and library facility and was chair of the committee that drove Waterloo’s successful bid to be named the 2007 Intelligent Community of the Year.

In announcing that Farbrother would be joining the City of Edmonton, Mayor Stephen Mandel noted, “Simon has a proven track record in creative partnerships and innovative problem solving. What impressed Council was his approach to strategic thinking, partnerships and capacity building. He brings tested skills and a fresh perspective to an already strong team here.”

In the coming weeks, Waterloo City Council will review options and determine a plan to fill the CAO role. 
 
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For more information, please contact:
Patti McKague                                           
Director,                                                  
Corporate Communications and Marketing      
City of Waterloo                                       
PH: 519-747-8748 
CELL: 519-577-4812
patti.mckague@waterloo.ca  

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