Interim CEO confirms departure date

Gore District Council interim Chief Executive Stephen Parry has reconfirmed his departure from Council, which will now take place on Friday, 10 May.

Mr Parry resigned last year but agreed to remain at the helm in an interim role while a permanent successor was found.

The search ended in February after a vigorous recruitment process saw the appointment of Deborah Lascelles, who takes up the chief executive role on Monday 3 June.

Councillor Richard McPhail, who has been Intermediary between the Mayor and Chief Executive, said Mr Parry informed councillors and staff on 5 April of his intention to step down next month.

“We are fortunate to have had Steve in this caretaker role. It was a huge ask of him personally, which has enabled the Council to maintain business as usual during this period.

“There will be three weeks between Mr Parry leaving and Ms Lascelles’ arrival, which we as a Council are well-equipped to manage.”

Mayor Bell said the Council is fortunate to have a wealth of proficient staff.

“We have experienced General Managers on staff who are more than capable of stepping into the role, and a recommendation will be put up at next week’s Council meeting,” Mr Bell said.