As of June 30, City of Fernie’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will be no longer be working for the City.
Jim Hendricks, who has been in the position for three years, has accepted a position as Chief Financial Officer with the City of Kimberley, leaving the CAO seat vacant.
Mayor Mary Giuliano said the City will hire an interim CAO to continue Hendrick’s duties and take their time finding a permanent replacement.
“We will bring in somebody temporary and take our time hiring somebody permanently,” she said. “It’s not a decision you want to make quickly.”
The CAO position supervises all other departments within the City’s organizational structure, including financial, emergency services and planning. According to the City of Fernie’s website, “the role of the Chief Administrative Officer is to provide sound and timely advice to Council on matters of community and strategic significance; to ensure effective and efficient implementation of Council policies; and to provide corporate leadership in the administration of the day-to-day affairs of the organization.”
The CAO’s other duties include setting the strategic direction for both long and short-term goals, keeping council informed on corporate matters and implementing Council’s resolutions.