Kevin Scoble, chief administrative officer for the City of St. Albert, has resigned to accept a new position in the Town of Strathmore.
"It is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation," Scoble said in an announcement to city staff, sent shortly after 6 p.m. Nov. 25. Hired on in 2017, Scoble helmed the city for four years.
The first public announcement of his departure was a statement celebrating his appointment as the new chief administrative officer for the Town of Strathmore, posted on the town's website Thursday afternoon, which said: "Town of Strathmore council is pleased to welcome Mr. Kevin Scoble as the new chief administrative officer (CAO) for the Town of Strathmore."
In a call by The Gazette to City of St. Albert spokesperson Cory Sinclair earlier in the day, Sinclair initially said, "I would be shocked if that were the case," when asked if he could confirm whether Scoble had, in fact, resigned, but said he would look into it and update The Gazette with a response.
Sinclair later confirmed Scoble's resignation in a press release, which said, " ... Scoble will be working with council on finalizing his end date and transition plan."
The release, sent at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, said more details of his transition would be shared in the coming days.
"It has been an honour to serve the residents and businesses of this community," Scoble said in his announcement to staff, in which he also mentioned Strathmore is "near to where I grew up."
Mayor Cathy Heron, said she "regretfully accepted" Scoble's resignation in a Facebook post following the news release. Heron said deputy city manager Kerry Hilts will assume interim duties until council hires someone in Scoble's stead.
"I want to thank Kevin Scoble for his exceptional leadership, especially through the most difficult times of the pandemic," Heron said in a post. "It was not an easy time to lead, and we are better for the quick decisions he made."
Heron declined a direct interview request from The Gazette Thursday night, instead asking for the interview to be scheduled through administration.
News of Scoble's leave a surprise
Reached by phone Thursday evening, Coun. Ken MacKay said the announcement caught him by “complete surprise."
Similarly, Coun. Wes Brodhead said he was not aware Scoble was thinking of leaving. Brodhead said he wishes Scoble all the best in his future position.
“I’m a realist — people look after their lives and careers,” Brodhead said. “We all have dreams, and perhaps one of his was to lead a city in the area where he grew up.”
Looking toward St. Albert’s transition period as it searches for a new chief administrative officer, Brodhead said he believes Scoble will transition in a “very professional manner.”
“Just the same way he did during the years he worked here,” Brodhead said.
Coun. Sheena Hughes declined to comment on the announcement, citing personnel matters.
Coun. Natalie Joly, Coun. Shelley Biermanski, and Coun. Mike Killick did not respond to The Gazette at the time of publication.
Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule welcomed Scoble in the announcement posted Thursday on the town's website.
“On behalf of council, I am happy to congratulate Kevin Scoble on his successful appointment as Strathmore’s new CAO,” said Fule in the statement. “He brings an impressive wealth of knowledge and experience to our community and has a solid reputation as an innovative leader.”
The appointment of Scoble concludes a recruitment process which involved candidates from across Canada, the Strathmore statement said.
