After two years with the District, Jennifer Thompson has left her position as Chief Administrative Officer for the District “to pursue new and developing opportunities,” according to a release posted on the District Website.
Thompson joined the District in September of 2020, after spending nearly five years with the town of Lanigan, Sk.
As CAO, says the District, Thompson “managed over $6.0 million in projects, addressing the District staffing challenges, and building strong relationships with local Internet Services Providers, the Province, industry partners, local First Nations and the Regional District.”
Corporate Officer Aleen Torraville is acting CAO until the District is able to hire someone to fill the roll.
Thompson is the third senior staff to exit the District in the last two months.
Director of Finance Lisa Teggerty was hired by Thompson last summer, but has been offered the Chief Administration job in Carmacks in the Yukon.
Last month, Director of Operations and Infrastructure John Simcock resigned after being put on paid suspension.
Simcock worked just over a year for the District. Dustin Curry is acting Director of Operations of Infrastructure until the position is filled.
Simcock was the former Director of Public Works in Hudson’s Hope.
Thompson has been notably absent from town hall and from Council meetings since April on medical leave.
Mayor Keith Bertrand says the parting of ways was a “mutual separation. She didn’t resign, nor was she fired.”
He says he wishes her all the best in the future. “We shook hands and parted ways.”
He says Thompson put a lot of work into creating openness with all the staff. “I really appreciated the culture she introduced to the District,” he says. “She brought more accountability and staff involvement. She definitely brought a significant culture change for the better when she arrived.”
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
