Here at the LGMA, we are proud to highlight our members and their many achievements in BC local government! This week, we are featuring another one of our long-time members and supporters, Patti Bridal, Chief Administrative Officer at the City of Vernon. These member highlights speak to the value of LGMA membership as well as the strength of the local government sector. We hope you enjoy Patti’s story and her many accomplishments. 

Q: Can you describe your role and title? 

A: Chief administrative officer at the City of Vernon.

Q: How long have you been in local government? 

A: 25+ years.

Q: How long have you been an LGMA member?

A: Since 2005. 

Q: What are some key milestones in your professional journey?

A: I originally started work in Municipal Government in Williams Lake. At that time, I did not know a lot about the role local government played in a community and for sure was not aware of the potential career opportunities. I quickly became committed to public service, working in various departments including, but not limited to, administration, RCMP, and recreation services.

With this experience, I was quick to realize my passion was in the corporate administration realm of local government and focused on gaining opportunities to enhance my skills in that area. After 5 years of finding my place, an opportunity arose with the City of Vernon for the position of deputy city clerk. I knew this was what I wanted for my future, so I pursued the opportunity and in 2003 I was successful in my pursuit! I started with the City of Vernon in March 2003 with aspirations of building a career in the corporate administration area. Additionally, I committed that I would not build my career by seeking opportunities in other communities, as I wanted to make Vernon my forever home and committed to serving my new community in that capacity. I embraced the opportunities provided through LGMA and participated in many MATI programs. I also obtained my certificate in local government and corporate officer designation through IIMC. I moved through the corporation to corporate officer, manager, legislative services, director of corporate services, and then deputy CAO. I held the role of deputy CAO for approximately seven years. On December 31, 2021, I retired from my full-time position and maintained a contract with the City of Vernon in the capacity of deputy CAO. In this position, I worked part-time supporting the CAO. In the fall of 2022, the current CAO announced his retirement, and I was approached by the city council to accept the position of CAO, following the retirement of the incumbent. In December 2022, I returned to the office as the CAO. 

Truly, in my previous role, I have seen many opportunities for change that I believe would benefit the corporation, so when the opportunity came forward to return as the CAO, I viewed this as a sign that now was my opportunity to make a difference. I aim to intentionally bring value each day I show up.

Q: How has being an LGMA member benefited your professional development?

A: Once I joined LGMA – I immediately committed my time to the local TOLGMA chapter for several years. During the last few years, I was the LGMA representative on the board for TOLGMA. I then ran again as vice president and then president in 2017. Honestly, being a part of LGMA has greatly contributed to my success. I attributed my success in this role to the valued relationships built through the LGMA and the varied educational opportunities, which provide skills relating to mentorship and coaching. I am truly honoured that I was provided with an opportunity to be part of a professional organization that leads with integrity. 

Q: What do you value most about being an LGMA member? 

A: My years of participating and contributing to LGMA were not only an educational journey that benefited me throughout my career but also a personal journey. I have always believed that any expertise or experience I obtained through my years of service should be shared with those who are new to local government to further enhance their knowledge and assist them in their pursuit of a career. I value giving back to the community that helped me achieve my goals. I sat on the LGMA Corporate Officer Forum Advisory Committee for many years in its infancy and always believed that if I had anything to share that would benefit someone else along the way it was my duty to give back. The BC local government community is like a family of professionals who are always willing to help others in the field and we do this to ensure we can provide the best service and maintain a professional association of leadership, mentoring and coaching. 

Q: What have you learned from your experiences that you believe would benefit others in your field? 

A: Being professional, authentic, honest, and humble. My personal style is akin to “leading from the shadows.” I do not believe a CAO needs to be the center of attention or always have something to say. Strong leadership comes from empowering the team we lead. A leader who can remove ego and lead with intention directly impacts the organization’s culture, builds employee motivation, and improves team morale. Value your team and let them propose solutions – inspire leadership by letting them lead. Intentionally bring value every day you show up to work! This is a quality I learned from a mentor I hold in high regard.

Finally, always, hold your team in high regard – support them and stand up for your people to show them that you are on their side when they need help. Build and give loyalty, trust, credibility, and commitment. 

Q: What is one fun fact about yourself that you would like to share with our members? 

A: Prior to discovering my passion for local government, I worked seasonally for my dad. I grew up in a northern town west of Prince George. My dad owned a fairly large road construction company, and I was the daughter who liked to be out there in the mud and grease when he was working on the machines. I spent many hours following him around, passing him tools, and playing on the equipment. In my 20s, after my children were born, I started working for my dad and spent a few years operating machinery for building roads between Kitwanga and Meziadin, and as far north as Bell Two. Those were rugged times with mosquitos as big as hummingbirds! During that time, I was also learning to drive a truck because we had a lowbed but not a licensed truck driver to lowbed the equipment from site to site. At this time – I believed this was my calling – being part of the company, with my brother, and carrying on this path. 

But during the off-season, I obtained a part-time job at a bank and then part-time secretary at the City of Williams Lake and that determined my future. No more grease, mud, loud machinery, or seasonal work – I was going to build my career in Local Government.