The City of Merritt is now on the hunt for a new Chief Administrative Officer.
This as the incumbent, Sean Smith, is set to depart for a new role in the private sector, starting July 7.
“It’s not an easy thing for us because we love the City of Merritt and its really difficult to leave something that you love. So many excellent relationships,” Smith said on the NL Noon Report.
Smith joined the City of Merritt in 2017 as the Director of Corporate Services, before being promoted to Deputy CAO in 2019. He took over as Chief Administrative Officer in August 2020, replacing Scott Hildebrand, who took on a similar role at the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
A lawyer by trade, Smith time as CAO saw him try to manage the city through the Atmospheric River storm and its aftermath in late 2021.
“We’re really content with a lot of the steps that have been taken on the immediate response and the recovery side,” Smith said. “Not all of the recovery projects are done yet. For example, we still have the Middlesborough bridge and others that are out but there is a path forward.”
He also leaves Merritt as more and more civic departments take part in a new four-day work week pilot project that is aimed at attracting, recruiting, and then retaining staff in Merritt.
“We do have increasing numbers of departments that are coming on board with the four-day work week pilot,” Smith said. “For those that are doing it, the response is really positive.”
Merritt city council and staff will have just over two-months to find a replacement for Smith.
“We greatly appreciate Sean’s dedication to making a positive difference in our community and his continuous commitment to exceptional service,” Mayor Mike Goetz said, in a statement.
“His hard work during and after the flood has put the City of Merritt in a position that other communities can only dream about. His dedication, boundless knowledge, and enthusiasm sets him apart from all others. We have very much enjoyed working with Sean and he will be greatly missed.”
– With files from Paul James
