Linda Glenday, the newly minted chief administrative officer (CAO) of the District of Squamish, sees the aim of her new role to serve and inspire.
Glenday was promoted last week from her position as deputy CAO after spending four months leading the organization, following the departure of former CAO Corien Becker July 30.
“It feels great, I am super-excited,” Glenday said.
“I am obviously nervous too, I mean I think if I wasn’t there would be something wrong. I have a big challenge ahead of me.”
As CAO, Glenday reports directly to council and manages the day-to-day operations of the district.“My ultimate job is to ensure that the municipal organization, so the staff essentially… carry out council’s vision – so council’s strategic plan.”
The role also includes overseeing the delivery of core municipal services – “everything from making sure the drinking water is clean to council’s vision of innovation and permeating their green agenda through the organization,” she said.
Her leadership style is to build on and harness the skills of those around her by connecting with them, she said.
“To engage with the staff so they feel safe to seek solutions and be creative. I want them to be proud of where they work, because they do good work,” she said. “One of the things I appreciate most in a leader is humility, and I know that I have a whole team with me.”
Glenday said the position of deputy CAO, which she held since September of 2014, won’t be immediately filled.
“Not at this time, no,” she said. “I have some ideas in terms of how we are going to achieve the vision of being progressive and nimble and innovative, and that does take planning and thought and so we are just thinking about the resourcing of that position in a different way, but no the deputy won’t be replaced.”
For her part, the mayor said she has full confidence in Glenday. “Essentially Linda has had a four-month interview and she has proven to us that she is the best candidate for this role,” said Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “Over her eight-year tenure, Linda has truly been a student of this organization and has gained the trust, respect and loyalty of her staff. I see this translating into something very significant– the benefit of continuity, pursuit of excellence, and the ability to keep the momentum high.”
A Whistler resident, Glenday has lived in the corridor for 20 years and been with the District of Squamish for eight years, working in various departments during that time, including overseeing Protective and Support Services – which include Squamish Fire Rescue, RCMP and Emergency Management.
Before starting at the district, Glenday worked in senior human resources roles in Whistler’s service sector.
She earned her MBA from Victoria’s Royal Roads University in 2003.
