Chief Administrative Officer Ruth Malli plans to retire this coming June after more than 30 years with the Town of Ladysmith.
“I wish to thank the current Council and past Councils, as well as all of my co-workers and colleagues over the last thirty years for their commitment, trust and support,” Malli said.
“It is an exciting transition time for me personally and I look forward to assisting with the process to ensure a smooth transition for the Town.”
Malli originally joined the Town in 1984 as an accountant. She became the Director of Financial Services in 1986, a position she held until 2004 when she was appointed City Manager.
Ladysmith received numerous awards under Malli’s management, including provincial and national recognition for environmental sustainability, community planning, solid waste management and excellence in partnerships.
She played a key role in the formation of Leadership Vancouver Island and was awarded the 2012 Professional Award in Leadership by the Local Government Management Association of BC.
Although that hasn’t been so much in the spotlight, Malli said she’s ‘most gratified’ by development of the leadership initiative.
In 2015, and for the fourth consecutive year, Ladysmith was named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Greenest Employers for an environmentally-friendly workplace – a reflection of Malli’s emphasis on the value of people and environment.
“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Ruth for the last year, and I can tell you that her dedication and commitment to Ladysmith are beyond exemplary,” said Mayor Aaron Stone.
“As city manager, her collaborative approach and leadership skills have helped produce many lasting legacies for our community.”
Stone went on to detail Malli’s influence in:
• Securing millions of dollars in funding for upgrades to the town’s drinking water and sewer systems;
• Expansion at the Frank Jameson Community Centre, and completion of the LEED Gold certified High Street Community Services building;
• Success of the Town’s strengthened relationship with the Stz’uminus First Nation, including completion of Ladysmith’s landmark service agreements in 2014 to provide water and sewer to SFN lands.
Malli will be working with Council over the coming weeks to prepare a recruitment and transition plan.
“This is an exciting time for the Town,” said Stone. “Ladysmith is widely considered a community and employer of choice – I am very optimistic about our ability to attract a highly talented, experienced and visionary leader to assume the helm.
