By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Witless Bay is in the process of securing new administrative leadership in the Town Hall with the departure of chief administrative officer Jennifer Aspell on May 12.
The curtain closed on her three years in the position at the conclusion of that evening’s regular meeting of council, but Mayor Jacob Hayden praised Aspell’s contribution to the community before the meeting adjourned.
“Jennifer has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, strength and deep understanding of municipal governance and needs of our community,” Hayden said. “She leads with clarity, confidence and integrity, setting a high standard for excellence, and she has helped guide council and staff through significant milestones. As she moves on to her exciting new role, we wish her every success and continued fulfilment.”
Aspell has extensive experience in municipal administration and occupational health and safety. She became CAO of Witless Bay in summer 2023 after a number of years as Town manager just down the road in Bay Bulls.
Mayor Hayden stated she played a pivotal role in advancing major community initiatives and securing around $1.8 million in grant funding over the years, citing her leadership on asset management, flood mitigation, and projects including creation of the community rink, Harbour Road upgrades and coastal erosion mitigation measures.
Resident Noel O'Dea, a regular council attendee, had praise for the job Aspell has done.
“She really organized a lot of chaos when she came on and now it’s a town where the trains are running on time, which is really hard to do,” he said.
Aspell was announced as the new chief executive officer of the Newfoundland & Labrador Construction Safety Association in an April 27 press release. She is scheduled to begin her new job on May 19.
The search for her replacement has already begun, with contractor Higher Talent hired to conduct an expedited search for a ‘motivated and community-oriented’ CAO, according to a posting found on Jump Recruitment.
Councillors said after the meeting that resume evaluation is currently under way and the hope was there would be a short list in place by May 15.
