May 15, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gravenhurst Council lays the groundwork for corporate renewal
Chief Administrative Officer Frank Miele today presented to Town Council a corporate renewal strategy which includes organizational and leadership changes that will strengthen the Town’s ability to meet the priorities set out by Council for this year and beyond. Council today approved the initial stages of a streamlined corporate structure that mirrors its vision for the municipality.
“A corporate renewal strategy will focus on the realignment of our organizational structure to create a more dynamic and responsive team. We are building a high performing staff by focusing on continuous improvements and by building an environment of trust and mutual respect.” said Mayor Paisley Donaldson.
“The objective of the organizational restructuring in 2012 was to integrate the change initiatives of Service Excellence and Community Sustainability into our corporate culture and day-to-day functioning at the Town.” said Mr. Miele. “Council’s decision was motivated by a desire to create a corporate environment that is more closely aligned with its vision for Gravenhurst. Recommendations for the new corporate structure were outlined by the recently completed Operational Review Report conducted by Covenco, a management consulting firm engaged by the Town to review its operations. The new structure is designed for inclusion of sustainability practices into all corporate initiatives and the introduction of the management by objectives approach to goal setting which will change the culture and expectations of Gravenhurst. It’s now important to change the alignment of our organizational leadership to provide for a balanced and optimized focus on the achievement of Council’s current priorities.”
Council’s corporate renewal 2012 objectives are designed with the principle of management by objectives. The key difference with Gravenhurst’s approach is that rather than 'set' objectives from a top down process, objectives have been discussed and agreed upon in collaboration with staff. Each department has identifiable objectives where management and employees agree to the objectives and understand what they need to do in the organization.
Council’s priorities include:
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- Strengthening accountability and engagement with the community
- Client-focused service delivery - Align the delivery of customer frontline services to provide a consistent approach to Town operations while maximizing the benefits to residents
- Open for business – develop a business friendly culture
- Fiscal responsibility – develop policies to ensure long term financial sustainability
The Operational Review Report outlined four key themes to move Gravenhurst forward:
- Organizational restructuring
- Management operating efficiency
- Utilizing technology as an enabler for greater efficiency
- Improve customer service by aligning resources to meet ratepayers’expectations.
In the final analysis, the streamlined senior management structure is all about a more vibrant Gravenhurst,” said Mayor Donaldson. “We’re building a Town where more people will want to discover why Gravenhurst is such a great place to live, work, play visit and invest. A focused, innovative, and responsive senior management structure at the municipal office means a progressive, better managed Town.”
The organizational and leadership changes, that are effective immediately, are as follows:
Infrastructure Services
- Geoff Carleton, Director of Infrastructure and Community Services will be responsible for Infrastructure, Arts and Culture and Community Services
- Vacant, The new position of Director of Fire and Emergency Services/Fire Chief will be staffed through a competition by September
Administration Services
This portfolio has three separate Directors administering various functions.
- Norma Bush , Director of Human Resources
- Candace Thwaites, Director of Legislated Services/Clerk
- Ken Watson, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer
Growth Services
This portfolio has two separate Directors administering growth related functions:
- Tony Rossi, Director of Economic Development & Communications
- Scott Lucas, Director of Development Services which include Planning and Building
Refer to the Revised Organizational Chart in Attached 1.
The Town of Gravenhurst is committed to an ongoing process of review and design of organizational structures that align with business strategy, citizen services and the changes required to deliver what needs to get done in the most effective and efficient way possible.
The CAO will review the progress of the new organizational structure on a regular basis and will report back to Council on progressive changes in the next 6 months.
For further information:
Frank Miele
Chief Administrative Officer
3-5 Pineridge Gate
Town of Gravenhurst ON P1P 1Z3
(705) 687-3412 ext. 245
(705) 718-6781 cell
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