Chief Administrative Officer Frank Pizzuto heading to British Columbia Mayor Wayne Hurst praises outgoing CAO
By Ron Giofu
The Amherstburg Echo
Thursday May 08, 2008
AMHERSTBURG -- The Town of Amherstburg will be getting a new Chief Administrative Officer as the current CAO is heading west.
Frank Pizzuto informed town council last week of his intention to move on. He will become the city manager of Abbotsford, British Columbia. He officially resigns his position with the Town of Amherstburg effective June 13.
"It was time for a change," he told the Echo. "I'm the kind of person who needs new challenges all the time."
When the position came available, Pizzuto applied for it and after going to the West Coast twice during the interview process, got the job. He said the city manager position is similar to that of a CAO.
"It's a good opportunity," he said. "It looks like a nice place to be."
Pizzuto said British Columbia is "expanding and booming" and he believes his new job will be both challenging and exciting. He leaves Amherstburg with positive impressions.
"I think this is a great town," he said. "I think the town has a lot of potential. I love this place a whole lot."
Some of the accomplishments he said that he is proud of in his three years here are working with town council to improve infrastructure, achieve financial and administrative stability and to grow the special events and tourism portfolio.
"I think we've made some progress in those areas."
Pizzuto said communities have to be on the cutting edge and to continually change to be viable and healthy and while there has been an attempt, "we can do more."
"I hope we continue," he added.
Pizzuto thinks he has made significant contributions to the town and feels council feels the same way. He said there has been a good working relationship between himself and council.
"No regrets at all," he said.
While there was a contract in place, he was able to give notice and assume his new job in Abbotsford. He said the decision to leave is mutual and "there's no difficulties at all."
Mayor Wayne Hurst agreed that the decision was mutual and that while he is disappointed to see Pizzuto leave, he is pleased with the work carried out.
"Frank Pizzuto is leaving on his terms," said Hurst. "I've enjoyed having Frank as my CAO and to be able to work with him. We've accomplished much."
Even though he is disappointed to lose Pizzuto as CAO, Hurst said he was not surprised by the decision. He sensed that Pizzuto was seeking new challenges.
"He did his job and he's moving on," said Hurst. "His job performance was outstanding."
Hurst touted the reorganization at town hall and the fact they are operating more like a corporation and that "people are buying into the team concept."
"I certainly hate to see Frank go but I'm also not surprised," said Hurst. "I wish him well in his new job. We are pleased with the service he has rendered in our employ."
The mayor believes the town will continue to move forward. He said that a search process hasn't begun as of yet and did not want to give a timeline as for when a new Chief Administrative Officer would be in place.
"We will take the steps necessary to get the position filled as quickly and seamlessly as possible," said Hurst.
The 56-year-old Pizzuto began his duties as Amherstburg's CAO on April 4, 2005. His most recent position prior to coming to Amherstburg was Manager of Community Services in Kitchener.
Pizzuto began his career in Ottawa where he was in the social services department. During his time in Ottawa, he served in the social services department and also gained experience in finance and human resources.
From there, he moved to Waterloo in 1990 and was part of their social services department. In 2000, he moved to Kitchener where he also gained experience in parks and recreation, downtown and economic development and other corporate responsibilities.
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