By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Sharon Chamber is no longer an employee of Wilmot Township.
The former chief administrative officer’s last day was Nov. 15 according to a press release.
“Township council thanks Ms. Chambers for her contributions during her tenure and acknowledges the dedication she brought to the role,” the release states. “Her efforts have supported the township through several significant projects and initiatives, and we extend our best wishes to her in her future endeavors.”
“We remain focused on working together to support our residents and move Wilmot forward,” said Mayor Natahsa Salonen. “Our commitment to fostering a strong and vibrant community is unwavering.”
The Gazette reached out to Salonen with several questions but did not receive a response by press time.
Acting CAO and current chief financial officer Greg Clark said he isn’t able to comment on any human resources issues but did say staff are bringing a report to council in mid-December.
“It will be in the closed session of the meeting to tell councillors the procedures for recruiting and moving forward with a new CAO,” Clark said.
Each member of Wilmot council are rookie politicians and have not gone through the hiring process. They have asked staff to write a report outlining next steps.
“They gave me direction to bring that back to them, so HR and I are working to get information from best practices and other municipalities about the process and give council some options. Do we do it internally, hire a consultant or have a temporary internal CAO?”
Clark added the process is expected to take several months to move the organization forward with someone in the role permanently.
“As the mayor’s press release said, I am continuing in an acting role until such time as I am not,” Clark said. “That’s about all we can share right now.”
Chambers’ departure is the second high-profile position at the township to become vacant recently. Donna Kell, former manager of communications and strategic initiatives, left her post abruptly on Sept. 12. The township has not said if they left voluntarily or were terminated. Chambers was on a leave of absence when her departure was announced.
Clark faces a tough task with the 2025 budget process well underway. He admitted it’s more work than he thought he would be doing but added he has a great team around him and they are ready for the challenge.
“We have a lot of good people at the township who are helping me. Council has been very supportive of my need for additional resources here and there and also prioritizing projects. Part of deferring the budget (by one month) was because of me wearing two hats.”
He added council approved a project manager to oversee the township’s Prime Minister’s Path consultation, an ongoing process which involves seeking public input on the future of the statues in Wilmot Township.
“I feel we are managing very well and my goal while in this role is to keep communication going open with you and other media, council and the community so we are all moving in the same direction.”
He added the township doesn’t want people to feel something is missing or not being shared.
“I know there has been a historical perception of that, but I am really trying to break that.”
Clark wants residents to know the current team is serving them well.
“I have seen a dedicated workforce that is focused on providing service that is expected and the service people pay for. I think there is a lot of hard work going on in terms of value. Can we do better? Every organization can do better,” he said.
He added his goal is to identify places where Wilmot can do better through the 2025 budget.
“I don’t think it’s a reflection of our staff. I think it’s a reflection of other impacts. We haven’t had funding for certain capital, or had reserves, some of the things that have been talked about. Those impact our ability to be as good as we can but based on what we have, I think everyone is giving 100 per cent, pulling their weight and pulling in the right direction.”
Wilmot hires new communications specialist
Brett O'Reilly has been hired as the township’s communications specialist within the office of the CAO.
In an email, the township said “Brett brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked for over 12 years in municipal communications. Most recently, she served as the corporate communications manager for the Town of St. Marys where she developed and executed the municipality's first-ever corporate communications strategy.”
The township said her work has consistently focused on building strong, positive relationships with both the media and the community, as well as driving effective social-media strategies to foster engagement with residents.
O’Reilly’s first day on the job is Nov. 26.
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