The City of Sault Ste. Marie has initiated the process of finding a replacement for Shelley Schell, its chief financial officer and traesurer, who is set to retire at the end of August 2026 after 11 years in the role.

The $30 million question

The search for Schell's replacement will involve an open recruitment process with internal and external postings, led by staff without the involvement of external recruitment consultants. This approach aims to ensure a thorough and inclusive search for the ideal candidate .

According to the city's chief executive officer, Tom Vair, the recruitment process will be briefed to city councillors next week, outlining the steps that will be taken to find Schell's successor.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

The departure of Shelley Schell marks a significant loss for the organization, and staff have expressed their gratitude for her valuable contributions during her tenure. schell, a seasoned financial expert with 22 years of experience in the city's finance department , joined the City of Sault Ste. Marie in 2004 and held various financial positions, including chief financial officer and treasurer, for the past 11 years.

As the city embarks on this new chapter, it is essential to recognize the impact of Schell's retirement on the organization's financial management and leadership.

Who is the ideal candidate?

The search for Schell's replacement will be a critical process, and the city is looking for a candidate with a strong background in financial management and leadership. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the city's financial systems and be able to provide strategic guidance to the organization.

The recruitment process will be undertaken in a transparent and inclusive manner, with advertising and promotion of the vacancy undertaken in appropriate media publications.