Another executive leaves the county
Acting CAO Glenn Dees will step down next month
There will soon be another change to the executive level at Northumberland County.
Glenn Dees, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, is resigning effective March 13 to take another job.
Dees has been acting CAO since October, stepping in when Jennifer Moore suddenly left the position on September 29. County council never explained whether Moore resigned or was pushed out.
Dees, a Chartered Professional Accountant, has worked for the county for 17 years, mostly in the finance department, rising to the position of Director of Finance/Treasurer in 2016. In 2023 he took on the tough position of Director of Health and Human Services, responsible for all the medical and social service responsibilities that the province has dumped on the county such as paramedics and helping the unhoused. He also oversaw the redevelopment of the Golden Plough Lodge long-term care home that has gone $25 million over budget and will cost about $144 million.
“He is a thoughtful, steady, and compassionate leader who has always placed people at the centre of his work,” said Warden Bob Crate. “While we are sorry to see him go, we congratulate him on the new opportunities he will be pursuing, and we wish him every success in the future.”
“The county will provide further information regarding interim leadership arrangements and the recruitment process for the Chief Administrative Officer position in the coming weeks,” a news release said.
Hiring a new CAO will be on the agenda during council’s regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18, but in closed session. Councillors met in private on Jan. 27 and 30 to interview candidates.
Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland and Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky have been pushing for a complete review of the county’s social services programs, including medical and addiction aid for the homeless. Any review has been put on hold until a new CAO is in place.
All this turmoil at the top of the county leadership comes during an election year that could see new faces joining council. As well, the Ford government is rumoured to be planning major changes to the way regions, counties and municipalities are governed.
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