ST. MARY’S — With the departure of chief administrative officer (CAO) Doug Patterson last week, the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s is now searching for his replacement – a process that, Warden James Fuller says, will hinge on the strength of the talent pool.
“We will be evaluating that position and looking for somebody who could actively lead us into our next phases,” Fuller told The Journal in a telephone interview on June 13. “It certainly depends on ... who applies.”
Patterson, who joined the municipality in fall 2023, left the role on June 9. Fuller confirmed that he requested and received a letter of reference stating that he had resigned. “We gave him that, absolutely,” said Fuller.
No announcement was issued and no further reason for the resignation was given. When asked if the decision was Patterson’s alone or council’s, Fuller said he was “not at liberty” to discuss the matter, calling it a “personnel issue.” He did note that Patterson’s employment contract entitled him to three months’ pay upon departure.
In the interim, Fuller said, the municipality’s director of finance, Marian Fraser, will serve as acting CAO and will handle both roles during the transition.
Under Nova Scotia’s Municipal Government Act, a chief administrative officer is responsible to council for the proper administration of municipal affairs. This includes preparing budgets and business plans, attending meetings, implementing council policy, and advising council on operations.
While Fuller emphasized the municipality’s ongoing commitment to stable leadership, he acknowledged the change. “He did many good things for us, and we’re going to continue,” he said. “I think he will succeed in whatever ... he does.”
