Vancouver hires green building specialist as deputy city manager

Vancouver’s municipal government has appointed Sadhu Aufochs Johnston as its new deputy city manager.
Johnston, 35, a native of England who was raised in the U.S. and holds dual Canadian and American citizenship, will join the City of Vancouver from Chicago, where he serves as Mayor Richard Daley’s chief environmental officer.
“We have in Sadhu Aufochs Johnston a seasoned city administrator and a highly experienced leader who has pioneered environmental programs, strategies and regulations for the United States’ third largest city,” said Vancouver city manager Penny Ballem in a news release.
Johnston has spent six years with the City of Chicago as the mayor's assistant on green initiatives, commissioner for the department of environment, and chief environmental officer. He helped develop Chicago’s climate action plan, blue cart recycling program, green permit program, green building program and other initiatives.
A graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio and Vassar College in New York state, he has received Crain’s Chicago Business 40 under 40 and Building Design and Construction 40 under 40 awards.
“Growing up as a child, I spent many summers in Vancouver visiting family,” said Johnston in the news release. “Ever since then, as I worked to make U.S. cities green, I looked to Vancouver for inspiration. I’m thrilled to be coming to live and work in this inspiring city and to be part of a team engaged in making Vancouver healthier, greener and more environmentally friendly.”
Johnston will assume his duties with the City of Vancouver on Nov. 2.