After a two month search, the City of Moose Jaw has announced the hiring of a new city manager.  Monday night, council approved a five year contract to hire James (Jim) Puffalt.

Originally from Broadview but most recently working for the City of North Battleford, Puffalt will be paid $190,000 to run the day to day operations of all of the different departments. According to the contract, Puffalt's first day is set for May 7th.

The position became vacant following the resignation of Matt Noble in November, who carried on his duties through the middle of January. At the time he told our newsroom that there was a contractual issue that's in dispute with city council but couldn't go any further.  

You can read more about our new City Manager in the bio provided by City Hall.

Jim Puffalt is originally from Broadview, Saskatchewan and has a lengthy career in Municipal Government including over 20 years as City Manager in Dauphin, Manitoba, Estevan, Saskatchewan and North Battleford, Saskatchewan since February 2014.

His areas of expertise include municipal and inter-municipal team and relationship building, effective governance, efficient and customer service based government, strategic planning, public and employee engagement, Community Safety, openness and accountability.  Jim, on behalf of the Saskatchewan City Mayors Caucus was heavily involved in the Municipal Sector Strategic Plan and the Municipal Operating Grant as well as having a proven track record of building relationships with other Municipalities, 1st Nations, Provincial and Federal Governments.  

Jim is currently completing a Masters of Business Administration and holds Local Government Leadership Coaching Certificate from the University of Royal Roads, an Advanced Municipal Management Certificate from the University of Manitoba and a Diploma of Applied Arts from Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Moose Jaw as well as three levels of Saskatchewan Municipal Certificates of Qualification.  

Jim was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 and is a long-standing member of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators. Jim and his wife Monique have three children and he enjoys hockey, golf and camping.