Emanuel Machado will be moving from his manager of sustainability and special projects role in Sechelt to take on the chief administrative officer (CAO) position in Gibsons starting Sept. 15.
“It’s something we’re looking forward to. We see Mani as a dynamic individual who’s going to help us dealing with looking into the future,” said acting Gibsons mayor Coun. Gerry Tretick. “He’s got a really good background in terms of getting things done and that’s certainly what we want to do, is get things done.”
Machado will replace outgoing CAO Warren Waycheshen who is taking on a deputy CAO position in Kitimat.
“As sorry as we are to lose Warren, each individual CAO comes with their own personalities and ways of getting things done. Mani has certainly got his own style, I think, and it’s going to be very interesting to see what happens with regards to that,” Tretick said.
Machado said becoming a CAO has always been one of his career goals and when the Gibsons position came up, he was quick to apply.
“The opportunity arose, and I took it. It allows me to still be on the Coast, it has no impact on my family, and those are two important factors for me,” Machado said.
When asked why he’s not taking on the CAO position that is currently available at the District of Sechelt, he said he didn’t apply.
“The opportunity wasn’t there, as far as I was concerned,” he noted.
Sechelt Mayor John Henderson said the District’s CAO position, dubbed the chief of innovation and growth (CIG), has specific requirements to be met that may have dissuaded Machado, like the fact the new CIG must have 15 years’ experience in the private sector.
“There’s quite a difference in the roles,” Henderson added, noting the job in Sechelt requires more work simply because there are many more people in the District. “It’s a much bigger job here,” he said.
He said council is sad to see Machado leave, but they’re glad he’s not going far.
“We’re naturally disappointed to be losing Mani, but we’re very pleased that he’s staying on the Coast so that we can all continue to work together,” Henderson said.
With Machado’s move, Sechelt now has three management level positions vacant — the CIG, corporate officer and manager of sustainability and special projects.
Henderson said the District is close to hiring a CIG who will then hire a new corporate officer and possibly someone to replace Machado.
“Sustainability and the environment are things that need to be included in all the activities that we’re undertaking, so whether it warrants a specific position that then works with a bunch of other people, or whether we try to integrate the importance of sustainability in everything from our public works to parks to major projects, I think that’s a management decision,” Henderson said.
