Lorje Brought On As Interim Wanuskewin CEO

Lorje Brought On As Interim Wanuskewin CEO

Monday, January 21, 2008 at 15:11

 

 

Wanuskewin Heritage Park has a new CEO for the time being.

 

The park’s board of directors announced earlier today that Saskatoon city councillor Pat Lorje will serve as the interim acting CEO for at least the next three months — or until someone is hired for the position.

 

Lorje briefly served in the position for three weeks before, when outgoing CEO Sheila Gamble was on medical leave.

 

Gamble was dismissed last week.

 

Controversy has surrounded the park since media reports about a board-commissioned report that outlined a variety of problems at the park — including allegations of a lack of board management by the CEO, verbal abuse, wage disparities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal employees, and a damaged relationship between the CEO and the elders’ board.

 

Lorje says she met with staff members this morning to talk about what issues need to be addressed at the park.

 

She says she imagines that the staff are feeling angry and insecure, with a sense of anticipation, as well.

 

Lorje says, as a manager, she wants to empower her employees to speak out, “. . . to ensure that they are listened to, treated with respect, and that their legitimate concerns are acted on”.

 

She adds they will continue to have staff meetings on a daily basis, if necessary.

 

Lorje hopes to have a board meeting soon, as well.

 

Meanwhile, board chair Jack Hillson apologized this afternoon, because he says Gamble found out about her dismissal from a reporter rather than the board.