City Council appoints Joe Hutter to City Manager role

Medicine Hat – After an eight-month stint as the Interim City Manager, City Council made the appointment of Joseph (Joe) Hutter official during the September 8 meeting of City Council. Hutter will assume the role in a permanent status commencing September 15. 

Hutter joined the City of Medicine Hat in September 2024 as the Managing Director of Public Services. Having grown up in Brooks, Hutter has roots in the region, and a broad perspective of the organization with two years of leadership experience with the City’s executive team. He holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Calgary, is a Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) and previously served as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Nobleford.  

“Over the past eight months, Joe has shown us that he can do this job and how he will do it,” said Mayor Linnsie Clark. “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. Council has seen Joe’s leadership firsthand, and we are confident he is the right person to serve Medicine Hat as our City Manager.” 

During his time with the City of Medicine Hat, Hutter has played a key role in leading the organization through a period of change while maintaining focus on service delivery, organizational stability, and Council priorities. His collaborative leadership style and commitment to building relationships have strengthened connections across the organization and with community stakeholders. 

Councillor Stuart Young, chair of the City’s Governance Committee, said Council took a deliberate and thoughtful approach to the recruitment process. 

"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," said Young. "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. We didn't want to rush that process. We wanted to give it the time it deserved, and that experience has given Council a great deal of confidence in this appointment." 

Clark added that Hutter's appointment will help ensure continuity and momentum as the City advances 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," said Clark. "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 continue working with Council and administration to advance strategic priorities, build and maintain trust, strengthen community relationships, and ensure the delivery of high-quality municipal services to the people of Medicine Hat. 

"I am honoured by Council's confidence, and am committed to leading with humility, integrity and professionalism,” said Hutter. “Medicine Hat is a community with tremendous potential, supported by dedicated, knowledgeable employees, a committed City Council, and engaged residents.” 

He also shared a more personal perspective on the role. 

“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. 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." 

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