Michael Wood steps down as Centre Wellington CAO

by Mike Robinson

ELORA

Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj announced on July 17 that Michael Wood will be stepping down from his post as chief administrative officer (CAO) at the Township of Centre Wellington.

In a telephone interview with the Wellington Advertiser, Ross-Zuj stated Wood gave his notice on July 17 and his departure was effective the same day.

As a result, Ross-Zuj said it had been quite a busy day working out the details of what happens next.

Centre Wellington council has appointed Andy Goldie, the township’s parks and recreation director, as acting CAO.

Goldie will be officially appointed at a later council meeting, Ross-Zuj said.

The township will be launching a competition to fill the position on a permanent basis starting in mid-September.

Ross-Zuj added one of the reasons for the delay is to give staff time to adjust to the change, and because August is not an ideal time for everyone to get together to discuss matters.

Mayor Ross-Zuj said Wood has been very instrumental in guiding Centre Wellington over the past 11 years.

She added that under his leadership, the municipality has prospered and become a centre of tourism and economic activity in the region.

Wood came to Centre Wellington in 2001 after a “distinguished” career with the Town of Oakville, according to a press release from the township.

“I think this is an excellent time for me to finish my career as CAO of Centre Wellington,” Wood said in the release.

“I would like to thank Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj and members of council as well as all Centre Wellington staff for assisting me in leading this community.”

No reason was provided for Wood’s departure, though on Tuesday, Ross-Zuj said, “Today is day one of a new beginning.”

Wood is the third senior staff member to leave the township in 2012.

Centre Wellington’s economic development officer Dave Rushton stepped down in early June to become the chief administrative officer of the Municipality of McDougall.

Earlier this year, public works director Ken Elder announced that he would be retiring in June.

July 20, 2012