After just six months on the job, Sechelt’s CAO Tim Palmer has announced his intention to leave the district and return to his private practice of advising local governments throughout B.C.
Reached for comment this week, Palmer said there were several things that led to his decision to resign; however, he wouldn’t go into specifics.
“There’s always multiple factors leading to that kind of decision, both personally and professionally,” Palmer said.
“So just weighing out a multitude of factors, I’ve decided to return back into the private practice.”
Palmer plans to stay on with the district while they search for a replacement CAO in the coming months.
“I’m committed to work with the mayor and council over the next few months as they start the recruiting process, so there isn’t an exact timeframe, but I’m anticipating it will be a few months,” Palmer said.
He plans to return to Revelstoke to restart his private practice once his time at the District of Sechelt is complete.
Sechelt Mayor Bruce Milne said the district will start recruiting for a new CAO soon and that Palmer will have a hand in that recruitment.
“He’ll be part of that process in a couple of ways and with that we’ll make a better and stronger transition,” Milne said.
Palmer started at the district in January of this year and helped Sechelt council secure a senior management team, which was a “great contribution,” according to Milne.
“It’s a different organization, a stronger organization, and so this decision, which is mutually supported by both council and by the CAO, is probably going to be a really good opportunity to retweak administration as it goes forward on the basis of the fact that it’s a much stronger organization now with the senior management team in place,” Milne said.
In a press release issued this week, Palmer said it’s been an honour serving the district.
“This beautiful community with its spectacular scenery is destined to see significant growth in the coming years,” he said.
“I am confident our residents will continue to be fully engaged to ensure future growth is in harmony with community values and Sechelt’s vast natural amenities. I will continue to value the connections I have made with staff, the mayor and members of council and plan to keep in touch in the future.”
