Grand Forks Councils offers Interim CAO Diane Heinrich contract
By Boundary Sentinel
Grand Forks Council announced the city has signed a contract with the current Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Diane Heinrich to become the CAO for two and a half years.
The decision comes almost a year of evaluations and deliberation.
Heinrich was selected to be Interim CAO after the departure of Doug Allin in March 2017. Previously, she had performed as Interim CAO in 2014 also following the departure of Allin.
“I have a good feeling about the path we’re on,” said Heinrich in a media release.
“After a few years of change, the organization is stabilizing and continuing to develop out the progressive programs started by our previous CAO.” –
Heinrich joined the City in 2007 after working at Canpar Industries. She quickly became the Corporate Officer in 2009, after being mentored by the previous City Clerk and CAO, Lynne Burch, and further took on responsibility for Human Resources in 2013. The Corporate Officer is a position mandated by the Community Charter and is a senior position in local government and Ms. Heinrich will maintain the Corporate role, as well, for another year. With further background ranging from real estate to production scheduling, she brings a well-balanced skillset to her current role at the City.
As the top staff position, the CAO is responsible for the overall operation of the City and links Council to staff. For example, if Council sets a policy, then the CAO interprets how that policy will be implemented and provides that direction to staff.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Diane. She provides stable leadership to an excellent organization and Council values her advice and ability,” said Mayor Frank Konrad.
“I believe that in order to achieve their best, staff need to lead a balanced life. That means finding the synergy between a demanding work-load and enjoying the fantastic city we live in,” Heinrich said.
