City of Powell River Council has approved the appointment of Mallory Denniston as its new chief financial officer (CFO).
At a May 5 meeting, councillors voted unanimously in favour of the appointment. Dennison had previously been employed by the city as manager of accounting services.
Mayor Dave Formosa said the city had some stability in the position with outgoing CFO Adam Langenmaier, who was employed for nearly four years. Formosa said before that, in his term in office, the city had gone through five CFOs.
“They always left us in good hands,” said Formosa. “They were really an asset, but it was tough on us. Now, we have stability back."
"Powell River is changing dramatically. When we used to try and apply for a CFO, a clerk or a recreation director, we would be starving to get applications. In this round, for CFO, we had more than 280 applications.”
Formosa said when he looked for a chef for his family business, he had 30 applications.
“People want to live in Powell River,” said Formosa. “It’s nice to see that we’ve been discovered by people of all shapes, colours and talents. I feel blessed in that regard.”
Finance committee chair George Doubt said as finance portfolio holder for the city, he was concerned when Langenmaier made the decision to leave.
“Adam was a really good CFO; he listened to what council’s desires were and came back with excellent reports that covered all of the issues and gave plenty of options that were understandable by everybody on city council,” said Doubt. “I am extremely happy about the choice of Mallory Denniston as the chief financial officer. We’ve seen the reports that come under her hand and they are excellent.
“We are going to have a really strong finance department and the fact we’re hiring someone local who doesn’t have to move here is another bonus. I hope our chief financial officer will be with us for a long time.”
Formosa said Denniston had been with the city for five years and he agreed that she should get this position.
Councillor Cindy Elliott said she is proud that the city has increased the number of women in senior management.
“I love that we are providing role models for people who are born and raised in Powell River for a career path that lands them in such a wonderful position,” added Elliott. “All of these things give me pride in tonight’s appointment.”
