Sooke is again looking for a chief administrative officer after the man hired for the job decided not to take it, citing personal reasons.
Jeremy Denegar, who had served in that position in Lillooet since 2019, was hired in July to fill the position in Sooke. But his spouse died in August and the job’s start date was moved to October.
Denegar has now decided not to join Sooke.
“I appreciate the understanding of council, staff and everyone in the community as I come to this difficult decision,” he said in a statement. “Out of respect for Sooke, I must step back to allow for more healing and grant the community the opportunity for a leader who can wholeheartedly meet the district’s needs.”
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said she has a “great deal of respect” for Denegar. “His tremendous care for our community is evident in this decision.”
Raechel Gray, Sooke’s finance director, will continue serving as interim CAO as council decides its next steps.
