The City of Burnaby will have a new chief human resources officer to start off 2022.
Anita Bhandari has been chosen to step into the position, effective Jan. 4, 2022, replacing Pat Tennant, who retired during the past summer.
"I'm thrilled to have Anita lead our people and culture department," chief administrative officer Leon Gous said in a news release announcing the hiring of Bhandari.
"Her experience of working within complex union environments, both in the public and private sectors, will be instrumental in helping Burnaby move towards becoming a world-class city."
Bhandari comes from the City of Maple Ridge, where, for nine years, she managed all areas of the human resources department including strategic planning, learning and development, recruitment, compensation, health and safety, and disability management.
She holds degrees in adult education and strategic human resources. She's currently completing her master's degree, specializing in cultural transformation.
The city says Bhandari has more than 20 years of experience in human resources, mainly in management and leadership roles.
"She is passionate about promoting a positive team environment, creating connections and developing programs to empower and enhance staff talent in order to improve service to Burnaby residents," the release added.
