The search is on for a new Chief Administrative Officer, Mayor Ron Toyota announced on Thursday.
Lou Varela will be leaving the senior management position she has held for more than eight years at the end of June.
“It was an extremely difficult decision,” Toyota said. “We greatly value the input Lou has provided over the past many years. Her perspective as a registered land use planner has been instrumental to her role as CAO. Our recent Official Community Plan, ongoing community revitalization, and corporate team building form only part of the impressive legacy she leaves to the Town of Creston. Council wishes to thank Lou for her service and leadership”.
“It is my hope that this decision will positively affect the community division that has occurred in Creston as a result of the fire hall issues,” Varela said. “This community needs to focus on solutions and the challenges at hand. I wish only the best for Mayor and Council, Town staff, volunteer firefighters, and the community as a whole. Working with these amazing people and serving in this community has been an honour. With change comes opportunity and I look forward to the next chapter.”
Varela will remain in her position until the end of to facilitate Council’s search for a new CAO, which will begin in the immediate short term.
The Town of Creston will seek to fill the position with a candidate uniquely suited to the community and its strategic priorities,” Toyota said.