Tuesday, November 29, 2022 – Rising and reporting at the November 28, 2022 Council Meeting, District of Sooke Council resolved it will extend Interim CAO Don Schaffer’s contract until March 31, 2023 and appoint the District’s Director of Financial Services, Raechel Gray, to the role of Deputy Chief Administrative Officer while CAO Norm McInnis continues cancer treatment.
“The District will be entering a period of transition and we want to ensure our team and the community are in the best position possible with our administration,” says Mayor Maja Tait.
On April 27, 2022, the District announced that Don Schaffer would fill the role of Interim CAO during Mr. McInnis’ medical leave. Unfortunately, Mr. Schaffer is not available beyond March 31, 2023 and the return of CAO McInnis remains uncertain.
“Mr. McInnis has served our community well and while we hope for his return in good health, there is a lot happening in our community and uncertainty (with personnel) will not set us up for success,” explains Mayor Tait. “Right now, we’re looking to finalize our Official Community Plan, working to optimize health resources, facing a housing crisis while also recovering from a global pandemic and responding to climate change, in addition to our day-to-day operations. It’s a lot!”
Ms. Gray has been serving the District as Director of Financial Services over the last five years. “She brings a wealth of community knowledge and sound fiscal management to her new role,” Tait said. “Mr. Schaffer will support Ms. Gray and ensure a smooth transition with an anticipated CAO vacancy as we receive an update from CAO McInnis early next year.”
Media contact:
Christina Moog
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
cmoog@sooke.ca