The City of Armstrong's new chief administrative officer is quite familiar with the North Okanagan.
Trevor Seibel brings 25 years of leadership experience in local government, having been director of financial administration and CAO with the District of Coldstream from 2009 to 2023. He left Coldstream to take a job as Deputy CAO with the City of West Kelowna.
“I am grateful to Armstrong city council for the opportunity to serve as their next CAO," said Seibel. "I look forward to working with council, staff, and the community to continue building Armstrong as 'The Heart of Country.'"
Seibel started his professional career as a local government auditor before moving into the role of chief financial officer for the District of Tumbler Ridge. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, a diploma in Local Government Management from the University of Victoria, and certificates in Local Government Statutory Administration and Executive Management from the Board of Examiners.
“We are thrilled to have Trevor join us,” said Armstrong Mayor Joe Cramer. “With his extensive experience as an auditor, financial officer, and chief administrative officer, council and I are excited to welcome such a highly qualified individual to our team.”
A second new face has been added to Armstrong's city roster.
Shari McDowell joins the city as its new FireSmart coordinator, responsible for developing and implementing FireSmart activities, as well as taking part in regional FireSmart activities for the Regional District of North Okanagan.
McDowell brings extensive experience in emergency management and business, along with certification as a Local FireSmart Representative (LFR). She has a small farm in Spallumcheen so McDowell understands the unique wildfire risks facing the area.
“Small, easy-to-accomplish actions can make big differences in saving your home from fire," she said. "I hope to encourage residents to learn more about FireSmart strategies and to take action to protect their homes and businesses.”
FireSmart is an education-based program designed to build wildfire resiliency and reduce the risk of wildfire impacts across British Columbia. The FireSmart coordinator ensures that activities align with provincial guidelines and local government priorities, overseeing public education, organizing community events, and engaging residents in wildfire prevention strategies.
McDowell will also support the development of the city’s Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) and assist in updating the Emergency Management Plan.
Over the next few months, McDowell will be engaging with the Armstrong community, local First Nations, and regional partners to gather input on the CWRP and explore opportunities to expand FireSmart outreach.
“We are excited to have Shari on board to lead this important initiative," said Armstrong manager of community services Warren Smith. "The FireSmart program will provide invaluable resources to our residents, helping them take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of wildfires. This is a significant step in making our community more resilient.”
The City of Armstrong encourages all residents to participate in FireSmart initiatives and take steps to reduce wildfire risks. For more information, visit www.cityofarmstrong.bc.ca or contact McDowell at 250-546-3023.
