Town staff departures ‘average,’ Stouffville CAO says

YorkRegion.com
Jan. 29, 2016
Sandra Bolan  

Three executive assistants to the mayor, three human resource managers, a communications specialist and a CAO are among the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville employees to leave their posts over the past year.

“We are saddened when staff depart to pursue new career opportunities outside the organization. We do, however, carry a great deal of pride knowing that we have contributed in their professional development and helping them achieve their personal career goals,” CAO Marc Pourvahidi stated, in part, via email.

In 2015, 12 town employees voluntarily left, which is an 8 per cent turnover rate, according to Pourvahidi, who added, the industry average is between 5 and 15 per cent.  There have been no retirements.

“I would concur that a number of staff changes have occurred during the past 12 months. The reasons given for changing career paths are varied and they include personal reasons, offers more suited to their qualifications and experience, greater opportunity for advancement and a desire to return to the private sector,” Ward 1 Councillor Ken Ferdinands told The Sun-Tribune via email.

In March 2015, then CAO Andrew McNeely and his assistant Concetta Connelly were put on administrative leave. McNeely resigned April 21, after 12 months on the job. He took over for Dave Cash, who unexpectedly retired after seven years.

Pourvahidi was named acting CAO last March. He was then appointed the position in May 2015.

“There’s always concern when you have staff turnover, because you’re concerned you’re losing knowledge. But you never know what you’re going to get,” Ward 3 Councillor Hugo Kroon told The Sun-Tribune.

The departures have continued into 2016. Downtown co-ordinator Anna Rose announced her resignation this month.  She took a position with the City of Vaughan. More are expected, according to the CAO because baby boomers are starting to retire. There is also a competitive labour market, particularly in the municipal sector.

“These kinds of peaks do occur from time to time and it serves to create opportunities for young people who inevitably bring new skills and experiences that benefit the municipality,” Ferdinands said via email.

“I can confidently say that the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has experienced an average turnover rate, well within industry norms. That said, town’s human resources division will do further assessment and analysis with a focus to see how we can improve in that front. We strive to be one of the best employer(s) and therefore we can always get better,” according to Pourvahidi.

Mayor Justin Altmann, Ward 4 Councillor Rick Upton and Ward 5 Councillor Iain Lovatt did not respond to The Sun-Tribune’s request for an interview by our publication’s deadline.

Councillors Maurice Smith and Rob Hargrave referred the matter to Pourvahidi.