Dana Schmidt started work this week as the corporate officer with the City of Penticton, replacing Karen Burley.
“Dana brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about the corporate and legislative realms of municipal government,” said Annette Antoniak, city manager. “We are incredibly pleased to have her join the city team and lead the corporate administration department.”
Though it was just her first day Monday, Schmidt said she was settling in well at Penticton City Hall.
“It seems to be a good place to work, I’ve met lots of nice people,” said Schmidt, who comes to Penticton after working for the District of Lake Country in the Central Okanagan since 2006.
Overall, Schmidt has 15 years of local government experience, including as deputy clerk and human resources director position at the District of Lake Country. She has guided several municipal organizations through records management system updates, implemented new financial software programs and overseen civic elections as the chief election officer several times.
“I bring a broad municipal background to the job here,” said Schmidt, listing various postings she has held in the municipal hierarchy, including chief administrative officer and deputy corporate officer.
Schmidt is continuing to add to her qualifications, having obtained her Local government statutory administration certificate in 2012, and is currently completing her bachelor of general studies in public sector management from Thompson Rivers University.
Her studies won’t have an effect on her work time, as Schmidt said she will soon be finished the final course for her degree.
“It’s just weeks away,” said Schmidt. “It’s a self-paced course, so I can work on it at my convenience.”
The corporate officer is responsible for statutory regulations as outlined in the Local Government Act and Community Charter, tasked with assisting council, committees, administration and municipal departments, in addition to overseeing corporate and legislative functions like correspondence, contracts, bylaws, records management and civic elections.
Burley’s last day with the city was Feb. 22. She will be taking a similar position with the City of Duncan on Vancouver Island, starting in March.