The District of Sooke will hire an executive search agency for the second time in under a year to recruit a new chief administrative officer.
During a recent council meeting, municipal councillors approved using Waterhouse Executive Search, at a cost to taxpayers of $17,000, to fill the top position within the district.
The hiring process is expected to undergo several stages owing to the critical significance of the role and the recommendations outlined in the organizational review and restructuring report crafted by consultant Jonathan Huggett back in February.
The renewed quest for a CAO follows the departure of Norm McInnis due to health reasons in April 2022. Jeremy Denegar, initially slated as the replacement, declined the position due to personal tragedy, highlighting the challenges in securing a suitable candidate for this pivotal role.
Mayor Maja Tait emphasized the suitability of a mid-career professional with substantial experience or a senior role in local government seeking career growth rather than someone planning to retire in the next three years. This is crucial due to Sooke’s dynamic work environment.
“We have a lot going on in Sooke, and we need someone who can hit the ground running,” Tait said.
The urgency to appoint a permanent CEO is evident, although the process may extend beyond six months. Huggett’s organizational review and restructuring report advised the council to promptly appoint a new chief administrative officer and tackle management and staff morale issues.
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