Sault Ste. Marie city councillor Derik Brandt is relinquishing his seat at city hall to become Thunder Bay's new manager of tourism and economic development.
Brandt will assume duties in Thunder Bay on July 11. He replaces Nancy Creighton who has accepted an economic development executive position in North Bay.
In a press release Brandt stated he was approached months before by a Toronto recruiting firm looking to fill the dual position.
"As an economist, and having been certified as an industrial and economic development professional in 1999, I am very much looking forward to starting this position," Brandt said.
He was expected to announce his resignation at the July 8 council meeting.
Brandt, who was one of Sault Mayor John Rowswell's most ardent critics, lists the creation of the city's call centre industry, financing and the development of the Innovation Centre, establishment of the economic development fund and the design of the city's industrial marketing strategy among his accomplishments over two terms.
He previously held positions with the Lacloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corp. and was manager of the Sault's Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
