A familiar name is filling an administrative gap at the Municipality of Central Elgin.
Former St. Thomas CAO Wendell Graves has been hired on an interim basis to replace Paul Shipway who resigned as of March 10.
Graves, who retired in February of last year, will step in for up to six months to allow the municipality to recruit a new CAO.
After serving for 10 years as CAO at the Town of Aylmer, Graves moved to St. Thomas to become city clerk in 2004. He was promoted to CAO/clerk in April of 2011.
And then to St. Thomas city manager, through a reorganization at city hall based on a recommendation of the Dobbie Report of 2014.
On his last day at city hall Graves observed, “I have no regrets. I am just humbled to be part of all that we have been able to advance. I’ve had amazing mayors and councils to work with and amazing management team partners and staff.”
Central Elgin Mayor Andrew Sloan advises there is a need to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible while the recruitment process moves forward.
“We know the recruitment process to retain a permanent CAO can take a few months,” notes Sloan. “We are pleased Mr. Graves has agreed to assist us and we look forward to working with him.”
Graves’ first day on the job is Thursday, March 30.
