A longstanding community member has a new role with the City of Lethbridge.
Bridget Mearns has been named the first Investment and Growth Officer for the City.
Officials said the senior leadership role will see Mearns take charge of advancing city council’s economic vision and play an important role in shaping the future of the economic landscape of Lethbridge over the next five to 10 years.
“We are so excited to be bringing this new role to our team,” said Nicole Mitton, Director of People and Partner Services. “I’m even more excited to have someone with Bridget’s expertise building and growing this portfolio.”
As part of the newly-approved 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, council aims to set Lethbridge up as an “economically prosperous city” by:
- Supporting and advocating for the growth and resilience of existing businesses;
- Using municipal systems, processes and infrastructure (physical and social) to support the attraction and retention of investment and a strong workforce;
- Strengthening Lethbridge and the region as a premier destination for agriculture, agrifood, advanced manufacturing, trade and logistics and other emerging sectors.
Officials said Mearns’ position has been created to help achieve those goals. Mearns said she plans to use her experience to “further strengthen our community”.
Mearns holds an MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge.
She has served as the executive officer of the Building Industry & Land Development Association – Lethbridge Region. Additionally, she has held roles on the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Executive Officers Council, BILD Alberta Board, Team Lethbridge, and the board of directors for Tourism Lethbridge. In 2023, Mearns received a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Leadership and Management.
“I’m really looking forward to using my experience to further strengthen our community,” said Mearns.
“Council has signaled that an economically prosperous city is important to them, and the organization is taking the steps needed to make that happen. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead and elevate this work.”
Mearns has prior experience with city council, having served two terms as a councillor (2010-2017) and participating on multiple committees and boards.
“I understand the challenges on both the government and business side, and I’m ready to dig in to find solutions that help both succeed,” she said.
In her role, she will ensure municipal services line up to support new investment, development and innovation for the city, helping position Lethbridge as a competitive and welcoming place to do business.
Mearns will officially start her new position on June 1.
