City boss quits after a year

Photo: Contributed

Eric Sorensen, second from left

After only a year on the job, Penticton’s top bureaucrat is calling it quits.

The city announced chief administrative officer Eric Sorensen is stepping down Sept. 19, but he’ll transition to an interim position to complete a number of key projects he has set in place. 

He said he wants to embrace a balance of family and work that’s not possible in the role of the CAO. 

“I want to continue to work to ensure the city is the best it can be, but I also want to enjoy the opportunity and quality of life that we are building,” he said.

Sorensen will continue to focus on infrastructure improvements, service efficiencies, budgeting and relationships with community partners.

“The city has been very fortunate to have someone of Mr. Sorensen’s calibre lead our staff team for the past 13 months,” said Mayor Andrew Jakubeit.

The CAO oversees and is responsible for all operations of the city.

"His experience and knowledge of corporate sector efficiencies have been crucial in putting in place plans for long-term sustainability and fiscal responsibility. We share a vision of opportunity, growth and prosperity for the city and we will continue to maintain these values in our leadership,” said Jakubeit. 

Sorensen retired from a successful private sector career before taking on the CAO role. 

Penticton apparently has a plan for an interim CAO in the next six months, but details have not yet not been finalized.