Kim Ayotte takes over as Ottawa General Manager of Emergency and Protective Services
Posted Nov 16, 2021 07:58:00 PM.
The City of Ottawa is naming Kim Ayotte its new General Manager of Emergency and Protective Services (EPS).
In a memo to the mayor and city councillors, Tuesday, November 16, City Manager Steve Kanellakos explains Ayotte is a fluently bilingual, seasoned municipal leader with more than 32 years of professional emergency services experience. Since May 2021, he has served as acting GM of EPS, overseeing the operations of the department and supporting the Emergency Operations Centre’s (EOC) ongoing response to COVID-19, including the city-wide vaccination rollout and mass immunization clinics.
The city says Ayotte's skill set, logical approach and sound advice have been critical in guiding the its response to the pandemic since it started in the spring of 2020.
Ayotte was originally hired by the city in 2003 and has held a number of senior management positions in recent years, including Deputy Chief of Operations, Communications and Assets, Deputy Chief of Urban Operations and Fire Chief prior to taking on the role of acting GM. He has been an active member of the EPS departmental leadership team and an integral member of the EOC, actively supporting the successful management of several city-wide emergencies including earthquakes, sink holes, tornados, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kanellakos says Ayotte has a proven track record for developing future leaders within the organization and building high-functioning emergency services teams. With support and input from his staff, he has led the successful implementation of several large-scale projects within EPS to help maximize efficiencies while following industry best practices. Kim also has an in-depth knowledge of managing a broad scope of complex financial, human resources, labour relations and legal matters.
Given his extensive municipal experience and strong leadership capabilities, the city feels Ayotte is a valuable addition to its senior leadership team and is well-positioned to lead the EPS department into the future.
Anthony Di Monte's last day as GM of EPS was October 29.
