The City of Merritt has filled its top job.

Scott Hildebrand has been hired as the new chief administrative officer, the city announced today.

Hildebrand spent six years as the city manager in Brandon, Manitoba, where he managed a team of more than 600 people. Prior to that, he had nearly two decades of experience managerial roles.

Hildberand has lived in B.C. with his family for the past two years now, and has worked as executive director of the Sage Health Centre and director of national sales with Fresh is Best.

“I am thrilled to have Scott in the role of CAO. As council, we are excited to see significant growth signals in Merritt and we knew that we needed to select a CAO who would be able to guidecCouncil, staff, and the public through this important time in Merritt’s history,” mayor Linda Brown says.

“We feel strongly that Scott has the experience, skills and personality necessary to support council’s vision of bringing increased economic prosperity and vibrancy to our community.”

Brown says Hildebrand was one of 75 applicants for the CAO job. His hiring comes more than four months after the previous CAO Shawn Boven was let go, as directed by Merritt city council.

Merritt city staff say Hildebrand will be starting on April 29.