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Sooke introduces new corporate leadership team

New team tasked with 'serving the public in a more efficient manner'
21577sookeSULLIVAN-Teresa
Teresa Sullivan

District of Sooke unveiled its new senior management team at last night’s council meeting.

Chief administrative officer Teresa Sullivan in announcing the seniors managers said they have been tasked with serving the public in a more efficient manner, with additional accountabilities being put in place to ensure “we get the job done.”

“We have eliminated silos within the organization that will lead increased sharing of work files to improve productivity and streamline processes. This will be the norm – not the exception.  These changes will enable greater efficiency to provide better service in a more timely fashion.”

The changes come after the departure of three key managers in a matter of weeks: corporate officer Bonnie Sprinkling, finance director Michael Dillabaugh and engineer Elisabeth Nelson.

Sullivan took over as CAO in mid-December.

The new senior management team includes:

Teresa Sullivan, chief administrative officer

Sullivan has extensive management experience with the B.C. government. She holds a master of business administration in executive leadership from Royal Roads University.

Rob Howat, director of development services

Howat became director of development  services (a combination of the previous planning and engineering departments) and approving officer for the District of Sooke in September 2013. Previously, he worked with the provincial government for 35 years.

Brent Blackhall, director of finance

Blackhall has been with the District of Sooke for 2.5 years as the deputy director of finance, and most recently as the acting director of finance. He came to the district from the Pacific Carbon Trust where he was director of finance.

Gabryel Joseph, director of corporate services

Before joining the District of Sooke, Joseph worked for all three levels of government in Canada, including two provincial governments (Alberta and B.C.), and four municipalities.

Steve Sorensen, fire chief

Sorensen has been a member of the Sooke Fire Department for 35 years.

Tina Hansen, acting corporate officer

Hansen has worked with the District of Sooke for the past nine years and has served in the role of corporate assistant for the last three years. She attained her certificate in local government administration in 2012 through Capilano University.

MORE IN THE FEB. 17 SOOKE NEWS MIRROR