Welland hires interim director of finance as it continues search for full-time replacement

With more than 30 years of municipal financial management experience, Steve Fairweather will take on the role of the City of Welland’s interim director of finance. He starts the job Monday. KRIS DUBE / TORSTAR FILE PHOTO

By Dave Johnson
Courtesy of The Tribune

With more than 30 years of municipal financial management experience, Steve Fairweather will take on the role of the City of Welland’s interim director of finance.

Fairweather starts Monday and his municipal experience spans decades, including 20 years at the City of Cambridge where he served as deputy city manager, chief financial officer and city treasurer for the past seven years.

City council discussed his hiring during an in-camera meeting this week.

When it came to voting on the bylaw to hire Fairweather, Ward 3 Coun. John Chioccho, Ward 4 Coun. Bryan Green, Ward 5 Coun. Graham Speck and Ward 6 Coun. Bonnie Fokkens voted against it.

In favour were Mayor Frank Campion, Ward 1 Couns. Mary Ann Grimaldi and Adam Moote, Ward 2 Coun. David McLeod, Ward 3 Coun. John Mastroianni and Ward 6 Coun. Jim Larouche.

Because it was a personnel matter, allowed under in-camera discussion, no councillor could speak to the reason for their vote.

A release from the city said Fairweather specializes in strategic, political, and administrative leadership with a strong focus on financial planning and management, system policies, and relationship building.

“We are very pleased to bring in someone with the experience and achievement of Fairweather. This position is critical to guiding the corporation to a successful and sustainable financial future,” said Steve Zorbas, who became chief administrative officer earlier this year while still holding his title as chief financial officer.

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