Two area natives are returning to their hometowns to take on key management positions with the town of Sackville.
Town council approved the recommendations of Sackville’s chief administrative officer last week to hire Bonnie Swift as the new director of economic development and Sandra Kent as the new community development and programming director.
Swift is originally from Dorchester and now makes her home in Calgary but will return this September to take on her new role with the town. Kent, who is formerly from Sackville, has made her home in Saint John but began her new duties with the municipality this week.
CAO Eric Mourant said he’s impressed with the qualifications and experience of the two candidates, noting they both have a “track record full of high achievements.”
“Both of these women are highly-skilled individuals that I’m convinced will make a difference in the lives of the people of Sackville,” he said. “And I can’t wait to have them on my team.”
The two appointments were made during a special council meeting called last Tuesday evening, and Mourant noted that the selections came at his recommendation with input from several councillors who helped in the interviewing process.
Forty-five applications were received for the community development and programming position with six candidates selected for interviews. The economic development director post attracted 10 applications, with two individuals brought in for interviews.
Coun. Bruce Phinney was the sole councillor to oppose the appointments, saying he wanted the opportunity to meet the selected candidates before they were hired.
When asked whether he trusted the CAO and the hiring committee to make that decision, he replied, “I would just feel more comfortable doing it my way.”
