City Council announces interim City Manager

Medicine Hat – City Council has approved the appointment of Dr. Glenn Feltham to the role of interim City Manager while the search for a permanent City Manager continues.

Feltham, who was born and raised in Alberta, holds a PhD from the School of Accountancy at the University of Waterloo, an MBA from the University of Montana, an LLB from Queen’s University Faculty of Law, and two undergraduate degrees. Further, he has professional backgrounds in both law and accounting. Feltham is passionate about people and building great organizations. He brings to this role extensive experience in leadership, governance, government relations, financial sustainability, and community and economic development.

Feltham served as President and CEO of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) from 2011 to 2019, leading NAIT in its vision of becoming one of the world’s leading polytechnics, with a focus on relevance and responsiveness. Under his leadership, NAIT strengthened Alberta’s and Canada’s economies through hands-on, technology-based education and applied research in partnership with industry. He briefly came out of retirement in 2021 to act as President and CEO of Grande Prairie Regional College (now Northwestern Polytechnic), an institution focused on meeting the critical post-secondary needs of northwestern Alberta.

“As we progress through the transition of the City Manager role, I am so pleased that Glenn has agreed to lead the organization during the coming months while the selection process for a permanent City Manager continues,” said Mayor Linnsie Clark.

Feltham’s appointment follows the conclusion of Merete Heggelund’s contract, after coming out of retirement to serve in the role that she previously held from 2014 to 2018.

“On behalf of City Council, I want to thank Merete for her contributions over the past three months. We were grateful for her willingness to step in for the short-term while we navigate this transition,” added Clark.

Feltham played a leading role in advancing the post-secondary system in Canada and Alberta. He served as chair of Polytechnics Canada, a national organization which elevates polytechnic education and applied research and advances our country’s skills agenda. Further, he chaired the Council of Post-Secondary Presidents of Alberta (COPPOA) which works across institutions to build the strongest possible post-secondary system for our province.

Feltham is keen to join the organization and is looking forward to working with the entire community.

“Medicine Hat is a great community with unlimited potential. I look forward to working with Mayor Clark, Members of Council, and all City employees in elevating our City and the people we serve.”

Feltham will commence in the role of Interim City Manager on Wednesday, June 15 and has agreed to serve in the position until City Council has completed a full selection process for a permanent City Manager.

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca