Patti Bridal will become the City of Vernon's chief administrative officer on Dec. 10, 2022. (file photo/City of Vernon)

By Pete McIntyre

Vernon City Hall

Bridal returns to city as CAO, Poole will be deputy CAO

Nov 28, 2022 | 3:02 PM

A familiar face will be returning to Vernon City Hall, this time as the top staff person.

The city has announced that Patti Bridal will become the new chief administrative officer (CAO) effective Dec. 10, 2022, appointed to a two-year term.

Bridal will take over from current CAO Will Pearce who is retiring.

Bridal has worked in local government in British Columbia for more than 25 years and began her career with the City of Vernon in March 2003. She has served Vernon as deputy clerk, corporate officer, manager of corporate services, and director of corporate services.

“We could not be more pleased about this announcement for the City of Vernon and our community,” Mayor Victor Cumming said. “Ms. Bridal has faithfully and enthusiastically served the citizens of Vernon for more than 18 years in leadership roles at the City. She has been Vernon’s Deputy CAO since 2015, and has helped guide the work of numerous councils and many City staff members to offer the very best in public service.

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Bridal announced in October 2020 she was leaving her position as director of corporate services, to retire.

“Ms. Bridal comes to this role with exceptional professionalism, knowledge, and skill in local government management, a strong dedication to employee and organizational development, and a deep understanding of our current management team and council as we all work together to keep Vernon as one of the best places to live, work, explore and play,” Cumming added.

City council has also appointed Kevin Poole as deputy CAO, also effective Dec. 10, 2022. Poole will also maintain his position as director of community safety, lands, and administration.

“Choosing to promote two individuals from within the city’s existing senior management team demonstrates the strength of leadership, dedication to employee development, and succession planning that has been established within this organization,” Cumming said. “On behalf of council and the whole City of Vernon, we congratulate Ms. Bridal and Mr. Poole on these new and exciting appointments.”