Two men at the helm of the Sunshine Coast Community Forest (SCCF) have been given their walking papers this month.
John Henderson, chair of Sechelt Community Projects Inc. (SCPI), the company that operates the SCCF, was not appointed to another term by the District of Sechelt.
"The District of Sechelt can make their own decisions about that, and it's entirely appropriate," said Henderson in an interview prior to the annual general meeting held last night (April 14). "They haven't given me a reason why and I didn't ask. They've appointed a board of nine people and I was not among those chosen."
Sechelt Mayor Darren Inkster said the change was nothing personal.
"The council as a group decided to go in a slightly different direction and decided to not reappoint two directors," said Inkster. "That was just the route we chose to take. It's nothing personal. We're very happy with the work that John has done and we're very happy with the work of many of the other directors who are there now and who have been there in the past."
Henderson will retain his position until after the AGM, where a new chairperson is elected. See the April 22 edition of Coast Reporter for more from the AGM.
The second change in leadership comes with the decision not to renew operations manager Kevin Davie's contract.
Henderson said SCPI's contract with Davie expires on May 1, and as is procedure for SCPI, the position was sent to tender to see who might best fill the position for the next five-year term.
"We were both duty bound, and it's good business to see who's out there," Henderson said.
SCPI received applications from around the province and several rounds of interviews were conducted.
"Our decision was based on looking ahead, what we think the various applicants could bring. Could we do better than we've been doing? It's not a slight at Kevin at all. I'm just saying in this situation we had the opportunity to see if we can do even better," Henderson said. "Kevin did an excellent job for us. He leaves with tremendous accolades from the board, both current and past board members. We owe him a debt of gratitude for what he's done and for his passion and commitment to the community forest."
But the board found something special about applicant Dave Lasser, who will start as the new SCCF operations manager in early May.
"Dave has a tremendous experience within the industry, with Terminal Forest Products and with Interfor," added Henderson. "He's got tremendous senior experience with the Ministry of Forests and has a great idea for going forward. I think we're very, very lucky to get him."
