Portage la Prairie City Manager Nathan Peto is changing roles but staying local. He’s stepping into the CEO position at Southport Aerospace. Peto has been closely involved with Southport during his time with the City, thanks to their strong working relationship.
"I always had a very positive working relationship with the CEO, Peggy May, and I'm very aware of what Southport does for our community and how important it is. When this opportunity came up, it just seemed like a natural transition to continue to grow and develop as a leader, but also stay in the city that I love, and my family loves. So, it was just the right opportunity at the right time," says Peto.
The Changes
He describes the changes he'll face as he makes this transition.
"Being a municipal leader comes with a wide portfolio of responsibilities. I think Southport will be more focused on its economic development perspective and regional importance. I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about the aerospace industry. With the upcoming FAcT contract, I believe there will be tremendous growth in Southport. To be part of that and ensure we can gain as much as possible for the region from that arrangement is really important to me."
He refers to the seven years of hard work that went into the Canadian government's award of a 25-year contract valued at $11.2 billion to SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program.
Timeline for the Change
Peto shares the timeline for the changeover.
"I will continue working in my role until the end of January with the City of Portage la Prairie, then I'll transition into the CEO of Southport role right away. The nice thing about Southport and the City is they work very closely together. I'm happy to support both through the transition process and excited to work with the City of Portage again from a different economic development perspective."
Continuing Southport's Proud Legacy
He adds that Southport has an extremely proud legacy and history in the Portage community. Taking on this role and seeing it through its next chapter of growth and development, benefiting the entire Portage region, is a fantastic opportunity he's incredibly excited about.
In the meantime, Portage City Council will make some decisions in the next couple of weeks to replace the City Manager. More information will be available soon.