Chris Murray, city's top bureaucrat leaving for top job with Toronto
CBC News | Posted: June 27, 2018 3:53 PM | Last Updated: June 27, 2018
Murray is credited with being a 'progressive force' in the city's development
Hamilton's top bureaucrat, city manager Chis Murray, is heading down the QEW to become city manager for the city of Toronto.
Mayor Fred Eisenberger issued a statement announcing his departure as news was breaking in Toronto that council there had approved his hiring.
He praised Murray for his work at the helm of the city for the last decade.
"Chris has proven time and again to be a true leader and a consummate professional for us as City Manager," said Eisenberger in the statement.
"Again and again he has been an outward-looking, forward-facing progressive force for positive change and continuous improvement. He has modernized the city administration and raised the standards of our city staff such that it is equal to or better than any in the world"
He praised Murray for helping steer the city through many significant issues and projects, citing the Stelco restructuring, the Amazon HQ2 bid, the Pan Am Games, LRT and transit, our digital strategy, and the modernization of processes and procedures.
He also guided the Red Hill Valley Parkway project as an environmental manager with the city. Prior to becoming city manager he was the city's director of housing.
He added: "On a purely personal note, I have valued his wise counsel and friendship. He will be sorely missed."
Murray had been city manager since 2009.
He is quoted in a city statement as saying:
"My goal here in Hamilton was to help Council, staff and the community formulate and drive strategic priorities that grow this city and build trust and confidence in Hamilton's public service, and I think this city is well-positioned to continue that momentum.
"I will miss working for Hamilton greatly, but I look forward to seeing the great things that are still yet to come for Hamilton, and to a continued positive, collaborative working relationship between our two cities."
Mike Zegarac, current general manager of finance and corporate services, will fill in as interim city manager.