Less than three weeks after Meaford CAO Frank Miele announced that he was resigning from his post to take on the CAO position in Gravenhurst, the municipality has lost another top administrator.
The Independent learned late Wednesday that Human Resources Director Karen Davies has parted ways with the municipality. Davies had been with the Municipality of Meaford for six years.
While the reasons for her departure are unknown, outgoing CAO Frank Miele told The Independent that Davies submitted her resignation on Tuesday January 24. The resignation was effective immediately.
“A lot of communities go through this every three to five years, and while that can be bad, sometimes an infusion of new blood is good for the corporation,” offered Miele.
Miele said that Davies made some important contributions during her time with the municipality.
“Karen did some good work. Development of the HR Policy Manual for example. And she was a champion for ensuring that we keep out a union. It is harder to keep a union out than it is having one,” said Miele.
Miele said that the resignation wasn't entirely a surprise.
“We see the benefits of moving on,” said Miele.
Reached by phone, Meaford Mayor Francis Richardson told The Independent that council was informed by email earlier this week that Davies had resigned.
“She did a very good job. She had a lot to do when she first got here, she put together the Human Resources manual and so on,” offered Richardson.
At a recent council meeting (December 12, 2011) Davies was recognized by the mayor and council for her achievements in continued education; having recently earned the “Certified Municipal Manager III HR Professional” designation from the Ontario Municipal Management Institute and the Ontario Municipal Human Resources Association.
