City of Greenwood votes to part with CAO Higashi

The City of Greenwood parted with its top administrator earlier this month, Mayor and council confirmed in a statement Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 17.

Posted by City of Greenwood on Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Wendy Higashi, hired to manage city operations in January 2017, left her post on Feb. 2, following an in-camera vote by Mayor and council, according to Mayor Barry Noll.

“All matters pertaining to the past CAO are being held in-camera at this time,” Noll said.

Higashi’s duties have meanwhile been handled by city hall’s deputy clerk and corporate officer, Darlene Teron, Noll explained.

“Greenwood is moving in a new direction,” Noll said, adding that the city is now looking to hire a permanent CAO.

Higashi will be paid 13 months’ salary left on her contract, plus 30 remaining sick days, Noll explained.

Higashi started her career at the city as a deputy clerk in November 2013. She was made acting CAO in 2015, accepting a full-time contract for the position two years later under former Mayor Ed Smith.

Higashi did not respond to the Times’ request for comment.

@ltritsch1 laurie.tritschler@grandforksgazette.caLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.