By Don Urquhart, Times-Chronicle
The Town of Osoyoos has begun the search for a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) after the surprise departure of Allan Chabot.
The reasons behind Chabot’s leaving are not immediately known, with Town staff and council tight-lipped over the development.
Allan Chabot
The news is marked by the absence of any official announcement and was only made public through the Town’s usual employment email along with ads placed in various media.
Speaking to the Times-Chronicle, Mayor Sue McKortoff said: “Allan no longer works for the town and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours, and personnel matters at the Town are kept confidential so I will not say anything more.” Chabot’s last day was February 28, she added.
Jim Zakall, Director and Deputy CAO at the Town of Osoyoos is currently acting CAO until the position is filled. McKortoff said the Town is in the process of putting out feelers through various channels and “we’re hoping to have it settled in a couple of months.”
She notes that the Town has “gone through this before with hiring people and usually it takes a while.” The ad sets an application deadline of April 8.
“We’re not quite sure how many people might apply so we’re hoping we can get it all done within a couple of months,” she added.
McKortoff also said that Zakall has been Deputy CAO “for as long as I can remember, and he knows what he’s doing and he does a great job.”
The term “well-oiled machine” has been used by some to describe the operations of the Town administration and indeed McKortoff has previously described the working environment as one of professionalism and mutual respect.
Chabot came to Osoyoos in the summer of 2019, taking over from Barry Romanko, who retired after more than 10 years in the position.
He brought with him more than 30 years of experience including serving as Revelstoke’s CAO prior to coming to Osoyoos.
Chabot was born and raised in Invermere where he was elected to town council at the age of 23. After serving as councillor and mayor, Chabot began working in local government with stops in Prince George, Golden, Fernie and Merritt.
