City Appoints CAO and Deputy CAO

Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Stace Gander as the City’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) effective February 5, 2026.

After 9 months of a shared Co-CAO interim role, Council sees the added operational benefit in a shared leadership structure and has also appointed Heather Pihulak as the Deputy CAO/City Clerk.

Stace brings over 30 years of progressive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors and has most recently served as the City’s Director of Economic Development & Tourism. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated strong leadership in key areas such as executive leadership, financial management, strategic planning, economic development, corporate governance and change and business management.

Heather brings 30 years of municipal leadership experience spanning multiple portfolios offers a well-rounded perspective on governance, operations, and service delivery. As the Director of Corporate Services/City Clerk, her diverse experience and operational knowledge bring a broad understanding of City operations, policy implementation, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Mayor Poirier welcomed the joint appointment, stating: “Stace brings strengths to the role of the CAO expressing confidence, experience, and benefit to the municipality which will move the City forward in growth and development, business attraction, fiscal responsibility and advancing priorities of Council. Heather has been with the City through many changes including amalgamation, the sale of several utilities, and organizational department changes. With the combined training and experience of both leaders, this new leadership model is expected to enhance stability and strengthen organizational effectiveness and support consistent decision-making within the municipality.”

Gander expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community. ”I am proud to call Kenora home. My wife and I are fortunate that our children and their families have also chosen Kenora as their home. I am passionate about Kenora and support Council in advancing their priorities and accelerating growth in a prudent fashion. I thank Council for the confidence they have demonstrated in me. Heather and I started working together in 2001 when I started with KMTS and I take confidence in having her at my side as we look into 2026 and beyond.”

Pihulak expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to continue to serve the community through this new shared leadership model. “I have deeply enjoyed the past 9 months in the Co-CAO role and this new Deputy role will allow me to continue to focus on specific areas and work within those areas to advance priorities of Council. I am appreciative of the opportunity and look forward to this new chapter.”
Stace and Heather will be responsible for the overall administration of municipal operations and the implementation of Council’s strategic priorities.

Council thanks Stace and Heather for their interim commitment to the organization over the past 9 months during this transition period. Through diligent work and review, there has been an elimination of two Senior Leadership/Director roles, along with three professional managerial roles with a total labour cost savings of $680,000.

Media contact

Mayor Andrew Poirier
apoirier@kenora
807-466-2495