FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 23/12/2022
Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) today announced that it will be actively recruiting for a new Chief Administrative Officer in the first quarter of 2023 to replace the incumbent CAO, Aaron Mannella.
“We were saddened to hear that Aaron has plans to move closer to his family in Prince George,” states Chief Willie Sellars. “We have accomplished a huge amount over the last few years, and WLFN is on an incredible roll right now. We would love to keep our current team intact, but we understand that sometimes our staff need to make decisions that reflect the best interests of their families.”
Aaron Mannella assumed the role of Chief Administrative Officer in 2019 and has overseen operations during three years of dramatic growth and evolution. Some of the highlights of Aaron’s tenure include the design and construction of WLFN’s newly constructed government building on Quigli Drive, the resolution of the WLFN Village Claim and establishment of the WLFN Community Trust, the execution of the first government-to-government agreement under section 119 of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act and the resulting establishment of Unity Cannabis and Sugar Cane Cannabis, the first WLFN competitive pow wow, dramatic expansion of WLFN community and market housing, and numerous other major capital projects.
“I feel immense gratitude towards the Williams Lake First Nation’s leadership, staff, and partners,” reflected Aaron Mannella. “Above all, I want to hold up and applaud this beautiful community who has welcomed me with open arms and showed me special kindness that has enriched me both personally and professionally. As my wife, daughter, and I seek to return to our hometown of Prince George to draw closer to family, I remain energized by WLFN’s strategic priorities and look forward to supporting Chief and Council and WLFN’s government through the transition.”
Further information on the CAO opportunity can be found on WLFN’s website at www.wlfn.ca/cao.
“We will have some big shoes to fill,” adds Chief Sellars. “WLFN has grown immensely, and our organization is now multi-faceted and complex. We have high expectations in terms of the quality of programs and services we deliver to our members. And we want to continue to grow our businesses and revenues, but also serve as true stewards of our reserve and traditional lands. It’s a tall order to fill for any CAO candidate. We’re grateful that Aaron will be around for a while, and hopefully long enough to allow for a smooth transition to a new Chief Administrative Officer.”
For further information on this media release, please contact:
Brandon Hoffman
Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
Office: 250.296.3507 ext.185
Toll-free:1 (877)856.3507
Fax: 250.296.4750
Email: [email protected]
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