City of YK Announces new Senior Administrative Officer

The city of Yellowknife has decided on Sheila Bassi-Kellett as the city’s new senior administrative officer (SAO).

The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon. Bassi-Kellett will officially take over the role on March 6, 2017 after being appointed by city council in the new year.

“Ms. Bassi-Kellett brings a wealth of executive and government expertise to the position of SAO, having worked in both the municipal and territorial public sectors,” read a Facebook post by Yellowknife Mayor Mark Heyck. “Welcome aboard, Sheila!”

Bassi-Kellett previously served as deputy minister of human resources for the territorial government and assistant deputy minister with the department of municipal and community affairs.

In the private sector, Bassi-Kellett ran her own consulting service in Yellowknife that had worked with municipal, territorial, federal and Indigenous governments.

“Sheila’s considerable public sector experience and expertise are an ideal fit for the position of SAO,” said the press release from Mayor Heyck.

Dennis Kefalas, who has served as SAO for nearly four years, will remain in the position until Bassi-Kellett takes over.

RELATED: Kefalas to return to previous role of director of public works and engineering

Greg Hanna
Greg Hanna
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