After a months-long search, the City of Grande Prairie has a new city manager. Interim Manager Horacio Galanti was given the role full time on Monday night. Galanti has held the seat for the past five months and says he’s excited to officially take over.
“It’s a great honour and a privilege to serve council and this community in my new role. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with council and city administration… [My] overall goal here is to improve the quality of life of the residents of Grande Prairie, not only current residents but also for future generations.”
Galanti has a background in civil engineering. He spent the previous six years as the director of infrastructure and protective services. A search for a permanent replacement was done with the help of a search firm and after looking across Canada and the United States, Mayor Bill Given says they decided to stick with what they had.
“Horacio’s knowledge of the City of Grande Prairie, as well as his commitment to innovation and his skill at delivering a budget that met council’s desires with respect to property tax reduction… all of those things came together that allowed us to make the decision to say we’ve looked, and the best person for the job is here at home.”
Galanti took over the role on September 29, 2018, after Bob Nicolay left to become the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Medicine Hat.