It was a big week for Athabascans.
Not only do we have someone in the chief administrative officer seat for the town – even if it is a temporary position – but also, finally, a permanent president was named for Athabasca University.
While administrators from both organizations can perhaps take a slight breath of relief, it’s important to remember that dysfunction brought them to where they are now.
This is the time for action.
In town chambers, the search for a long-term CAO is still ongoing. Tension between councillors still exists, as was evident in the selection of the interim CAO, which was drawn out over two meetings. Warren Zyla comes into the mix with little administrative experience at the town.
However, he is well-like by staff. It might just be that a popular guy could help ease the pressure-cooker atmosphere.
Similarly, Neil Fassina is stepping into the lion’s den at a point of high tension. Besides dealing with the sustainability of the university, he must address the staff’s poor morale. The memory of recent layoffs under a more conservative reign likely lingers in the heads of many employees.
Coupled with a hiring freeze, those staff have been forced to take on extra work loads, which they carry the burden of so as not to be the next on the chopping block.
But, like with Zyla, Fassina’s arrival brings an air of tentative optimism to the institution, as evidenced by the large crowds that attended the announcement of his appointment. There, he spoke of better integrating the university into the town, a partnership that desperately needs improvement.
With fresh blood comes a fresh start. Let’s hope these new leaders learn from the mistakes of the past, to start out towards a more cohesive future.
