Anna Mathewson to guide Port Moody’s operations as new city manager starting Feb. 16

Anna Mathewson will take on the role of city manager for the City of Port Moody, effective February 16, 2024. 

Mathewson is currently the City’s general manager of community services, a position she has held since February 2022. 

“After an extensive search that included candidates from B.C. and outside the province, Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Anna Mathewson as Port Moody’s new city manager,” said Mayor Meghan Lahti. “Anna, with her team’s support, has led several important projects including the City’s Urban Forest Management Strategy, parks master planning and strategy initiatives, and enhanced emergency weather response procedures, as well as multiple capital projects across the community services department. 

“Anna has advanced our organizational work in the areas of accessibility and Truth and Reconciliation,” continued Lahti, “and has ensured stability, delivering community services support in the challenging context of the post-pandemic recovery. We are confident that Anna’s leadership skills and expertise will be an asset to the City and the Port Moody community.”

The city manager’s role is to guide operations to ensure a high level of customer service, guide staff as they provide professional advice and recommendations to Council, and lead the organization in executing Council’s Strategic Plan. 

Anna Mathewson is a Registered Professional Planner and a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. Prior to joining the City of Port Moody, she worked as director of environmental services at the City of Abbotsford, overseeing solid waste management and the sustainability and climate portfolio. Mathewson has also held the position of manager of sustainability at the City of Surrey, where she led sustainability efforts throughout the organization including the parks, recreation, and culture department, and directly through the city manager’s office. 

Mathewson holds an undergraduate degree from McGill University and a master’s degree in Resource Management from Simon Fraser University, where she focused on sustainable community development. She is a member of the Community Energy Association’s Board of Directors and has for many years acted as a mentor for planning students. 

The City of Port Moody began its search for a new city manager in October 2023 after Tim Savoie announced his plan to retire after 21 years of service to the Port Moody community.