THUNDER BAY -- Norm Gale is now Thunder Bay's permanent city manager.
The former chief of Superior North EMS took over the city's top administrative spot in an acting role in October following the retirement of Tim Commisso. On Monday night, city council voted unanimously to make that decision permanent.
"I'm extraordinarily pleased and grateful for the opportunity that council has presented here," Gale said following the meeting.
While he's learned a lot since taking over late last year, Gale said there's a lot more catching up to do while still overseeing day-to-day operations, strategies and the upcoming budget. Gale said Commisso left behind a lot of good work that he looks forward to building on.
"I can also tell you there's a lot more to learn," he said.
Wayne Gates will remain in an acting position at EMS for the time being with a permanent search set to take place soon.
"We have a good team here. The city is well led and there are a lot of good people within the city of Thunder Bay administration," Gale said.
Gale was a paramedic for more than a decade before taking over as chief in 2007. He also spent 23 years in the Armed Forces Reserve.
He has a Master's in business administration and Honours degrees in history and political science from Lakehead University.
