Following an extensive search and hiring process, City Manager Norm Gale is pleased to announce Karen Lewis as the new General Manager of the City’s Development & Emergency Services Department.

Ms. Lewis has been with the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay since 1994, and before that she led in the not-for-profit sector. Amongst her significant recent accomplishments are the development of a public engagement framework, the introduction of the municipal accommodation tax and its framework, and stewardship of five corporate Strategic Plans. 

"I’m very pleased that Karen has accepted the position,” said Norm Gale, City Manager. "I look forward to the vision, passion and experience she will bring to the position,” said Norm Gale, City Manager. “She will continue to be an asset to the City’s Executive Leadership Team.”

As a respected municipal professional, Ms. Lewis is a recognized leader at the Corporation and has an impressive list of major accomplishments, some of which include managing eight Citizen Surveys, overseeing the transition of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy to the municipality, working with a Committee of City Council to establish the Thunder Bay Crime Prevention Council, facilitating the start-up of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission and serving as interim CEO for five months, and working with the City Manager as the lead staff on the development of the corporate Vision & Values.

She has also been an integral part of the Thunder Bay Emergency Operations Control Group and has led the communication strategy and managed public information. The Development & Emergency Services department focuses on health, safety and development initiatives that attract investors to the community. They also run regulatory functions that maintain quality of life and make the community attractive to residents, visitors and investors.

Ms. Lewis begins her new role effective April 12, 2021.

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Contact: Stacey Levanen, Supervisor – Corporate Communications, 625-3650