Municipality finalizes city manager switch with Seabrooke retiring

May 21, 2021 | 2:12 PM

Someone new is stepping into the role of city manager at The City of Red Deer, starting end of day Friday.

Allan Seabrooke, who took over the position in May 2019, announced May 3 he’d be retiring to move back to Ontario where he’s originally from.

At the time, he stated, “Serving in the public sector at a local level has afforded me the opportunity to connect with the community of Red Deer in meaningful and lasting ways. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute to this city and its citizens at a time when the many challenges we collectively face in Red Deer, Alberta and across the country are forcing us to be increasingly innovative when it comes to municipal service delivery and meeting the needs of citizens.”

Seabrooke’s career has lasted over 30 years. No other reasons were given for his departure.

Tara Lodewyk will assume the role of city manager on an acting basis until a new one can be hired through a formal hiring process.

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Lodewyk has been with The City for nine years, including leading a division for five. In 2020, she took over the role of General Manager of Development and Protective Services (DPS).

“I’ve really enjoyed working under Allan’s leadership, and the mentorship he’s provided over the last two years has allowed me to step into this role as acting city manager with confidence,” Lodewyk says. “I’m excited to work with my colleagues to continue to move the organization forward. We have a strong administrative team which will continue to do great work while city council undertakes the formal hiring process.”

That process could take four to six months, adds Lodewyk, who previously served as interim city manager before Seabrooke came in, and intermittently as he has had time off.

The changeover also means Ken McMullen, chief with Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES), will act as DPS general manager.

RDES deputy chiefs Tyler Pelke and Chris Kearns will fill in as acting manager/chief of emergency services on a rotational basis.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Municipality finalizes city manager switch with Seabrooke retiring

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