Three Northern Ontario municipalities have put out the ‘Help Wanted’ sign to find new chief administrative officers.
Ann Mitchell, Sioux Lookout’s CAO, announced her resignation on March 28. Her last day with the town will be May 15.
“It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve the municipality and the broader community over the last six years,” said Mitchell in a statement released by the town.
“The community is fortunate to have a highly skilled and committed management team, and our front line staff play a key role in ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of programs and services to the community.”
“Ann has contributed greatly to the municipality’s success over the last six years, availing the organization of her strong leadership and ongoing commitment to administrative excellence,” said Mayor Doug Lawrance.
“Her leadership and advice to council on a wide array of subjects and issues has been instrumental in helping council make well-informed decisions. We want to wish Ann the very best in her future endeavours.”
The news release said “council will be considering its options for replacing Mitchell in the coming weeks.”
In nearby Dryden, Ernie Remillard tendered his resignation to council as CAO on March 26.
“We are saddened to hear of Mr. Remillard’s resignation as chief administrative officer. Council respects his decision to do so, and we wish him the best in his future endeavours,” said Deputy Mayor, Nick Beyak.
Remillard will continue in his position until April 13. An upcoming special council meeting this week will decide the next steps on filling the position. Remillard was hired by the City of Dryden in July 2016 and had served as president-CEO of the Northern Lights Credit Union.
“I want to personally thank council and staff for their extremely hard work and support during this time, as it was a very difficult decision to make,” said Remillard in a news release.
“I have accepted a new role in Winnipeg, to be closer to specialized medical facilities for my daughter, who has complex medical needs. I wish to thank the community for their support during this time and will always consider Dryden home.”
Over in Kirkland Lake, Wilfred Hass, the director of economic development and tourism, has been parachuted into the job of acting CAO after a parting of the ways with Peter Avgoustis, who left after only eight months in the position. Avgoustis was hired last summer to replace long-time CAO Nancy Allick who retired last April.
