City of Medicine Hat makes Hutter’s Interim City Manager role permanent

Hutter grew up in Brooks and brings two years of experience on the City’s executive team.

He holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Calgary and is a Certified Local Government Manager.

Hutter previously served as Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Nobleford.

Mayor Linnsie Clark said Hutter has demonstrated his ability to lead the city during his time as Interim City Manager.

“Over the past eight months, Joe has shown us that he can do this job and how he will do it,” Mayor Clark said in a statement.

“He listens carefully, exercises sound judgment and is willing to have honest conversations when the issues are difficult. He stepped into this role during a period of significant change, and he brought much-needed stability, clarity and forward momentum to the organization,” she added.

“Council has seen Joe’s leadership firsthand, and we are confident he is the right person to serve Medicine Hat as our City Manager.”

The City says that during Hutter’s time with them, he has helped lead the organization through a period of change while maintaining a focus on service delivery, organizational stability and Council priorities.

The City adds that his collaborative leadership style and focus on building relationships have strengthened connections within the organization and with community stakeholders.

Coun. Stuart Young, chair of the City’s Governance Committee, said Council took a deliberate approach to selecting its next City Manager.

“Our organization has gone through significant change over the past few years, and Council felt it was important to take the time necessary to carefully consider what we needed from our next City Manager,” Coun. Young said in a statement.

“Over the past eight months, we’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Joe and see firsthand how he leads, how he makes decisions, and how he works with Council and the organization,” he added.

“We didn’t want to rush that process. We wanted to give it the time it deserved. That experience has given Council a great deal of confidence in this appointment.”

Clark said Hutter’s appointment will provide continuity as the city works on several key initiatives.

“The City Manager plays a critical role in leading municipal operations while building productive relationships with Council, employees, community partners, and residents,” Clark said.

“Joe has demonstrated a strong ability to balance those responsibilities. His appointment allows for a smooth transition, minimizes organizational disruption, and positions the City to continue moving forward with stability and focus.”

As City Manager, Hutter will work with Council and City Administration on strategic priorities, community relationships, public trust and the delivery of municipal services.

Hutter said he was honoured by Council’s decision and is committed to leading the organization with integrity.

“I am honoured by Council’s confidence, and am committed to leading with humility, integrity and professionalism,” Hutter said in a statement.

“Medicine Hat is a community with tremendous potential, supported by dedicated, knowledgeable employees, a committed City Council, and engaged residents.”

Hutter also described his connection to Medicine Hat and his commitment to the community.

“This isn’t just a job for me. Medicine Hat is where I want to raise my family for years to come, and I am invested in the success of our community,” Hutter said.

“I appreciate the responsibility that comes with being a public servant and stewarding public resources, and look forward to continuing to work alongside Council, our staff, and the community as we advance key priorities, strengthen public trust, and build on the important work already underway.”

Clark says the City considered using a headhunter initially to fill the role, but as Hutter was acting in the interim role, it became really clear that it was a great fit.

“That stability, leadership, professionalism, and ability to connect were paramount,” Clark said.

“We’re fortunate that we were able to promote from within. And just really excited to see where we’re going from here. I have every confidence that City Manager Hutter will continue his great work with Council, community and administration.”

Coun. Young says that when Hutter came in and did the job well, it gave Council a little bit more breathing room in the search process.

“Then we had a broader conversation around Council. We had informally spoken to people and threw feelers out there without necessarily [starting] a costly executive search firm to see what kind of candidates we potentially [would] be looking at,” Young said.

“We had some potential candidates. And Council ultimately felt that with the time that Joe had spent so far, we wanted to give him a little bit more time. And then we ended up going with Joe.”

Mayor Clark says removing the interim tag from the position will allow Hutter to move more boldly forward and will allow other positions that were filled temporarily to be filled permanently.

“We’re looking forward to, and I’m sure everyone involved is looking forward to having those positions more permanent,” Clark said.

“It’s always one of those things where Interim City Managers, I think they take a cautious approach, trying to steady the ship, keep things moving forward.”

Clark adds that a City Manager having the role permanently will be able to push forward their strategy.

Young said Council understood that this was one of the biggest things that people were looking at them for.

“We knew that we needed to take it very seriously, which we did. We were very fortunate to have an internal candidate in Joe,” Young said.

“I think the challenge that he had was inheriting a brand new council. And then he was inheriting all of the challenges we’ve had over the last few years,” he added.

“He’s had to come in and navigate all of that.”

Young commended Hutter for doing a good job on both of those things, and gave the Council confidence in who Hutter is.

“I think a good City Manager is someone who obviously helps you and gets things done,” Young said.

“But he’s also someone who challenges you in a healthy way,” he added.

“I appreciate that we have a guy who’s going to do that for us.”

Clark says Hutter also fits the demographic that is important for growth in the city.

“So, young families, he and his wife are both professionals in the community. And given his longstanding relationship with this community, it gives me comfort that when he’s making decisions, he’s making decisions with both his family, his kids having that understanding,” Clark said.

“You go to soccer practice, hockey practice, all those things. And you are in the community. I feel like that’s a huge selling point, too.”

Councillor Brian Varga spoke about a personal connection he had with Hutter in the community from 20 years ago.

“In 2005-2006, I had the opportunity to coach Joe in hockey in Medicine Hat. It’s funny how the world goes around and around, and all of a sudden Joe’s put into a City Manager part,” Varga said.

“We always wonder as coaches where our players are going to end up and where they’re going to go and what they’re going to turn out like. And for me, I’m very proud of that,” he added.

“Good on Joe for doing what he’s doing. I think he’s good for this community. His heart’s in the right place.”

by Jesse Gill

City of Medicine Hat makes Hutter’s Interim City Manager role permanent

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