Guelph’s top bureaucrat Derrick Thomson is out of a job.
The now ex-Chief Administrative Officer and city council mutually agreed to part ways, according to a statement from the city.
“I’m grateful for the stability Derrick has brought to city hall in recent years, and for the strong team of employees he leaves with us,” Mayor Cam Guthrie said. “Council thanks Derrick for his service to our city and we wish him well in the future.”
No specific reason was given for his departure, but lately council has had several closed meetings regarding the CAO’s contract.
Thomson was named as Guelph’s CAO in 2016 and previously held the position of director of community and social services.
The city said Thomson is credited with successfully advocating for tens of millions of dollars in federal and provincial funding.
“Working with smart, dedicated men and women who serve Guelph citizens and businesses every day has been an honour for me,” Thomson said. “I’m also grateful to have worked with council and to have been a part of its agenda to make Guelph an exceptional city.”
The city said council is working on a transition plan that will ensure services and work plans continue without interruption.
— More to come