A year after Beth James parted ways with Prince George as its city manager, she is again leaving a senior municipal government post in a "mutually agreed" manner.
In an announcement posted to its website Feb. 12, Parkland County - located west of Edmonton - said James was no longer its chief administrative officer after she and the county "mutually agreed to end their relationship."
That language echoed Mayor Lyn Hall's words from last January that the two "mutually agreed" she leave her position after 20 months.
"Ms. James brought considerable expertise to her position and the Mayor and Council wish to thank her for her dedicated service and wish her well in her future endeavours," the Parkland County statement said.
James, a North Shore native, joined the Prince George as chief administrative officer in May 2013, pulled from a pool of 40 applicants. Her hiring was a unanimous decision of council, former mayor Shari Green said back in 2013.
It was James's first foray into the world of local government following a career of senior executive positions in the provincial government and private sector.
Her resume included work as a consultant specializing in business transformations and alternative service delivery models such as shared services models and outsourcing as well as participation in the provincial core services review.
In a January 2015 Citizen story, Hall said he also couldn't comment on the reason for council's decision to part ways with James, or on any severance she may be entitled to.
However, a press release released on March 12, 2013, regarding James' hiring reported her annual salary at $212,000, plus $6,000 vehicle allowance, 30 days vacation and benefits.
The release said James would be eligible for severance pay of six months salary, plus one month for every year of service - to a maximum of 18 months.
Based on the formula provided in the release, James was eligible for almost eight months salary or approximately $140,000.
- with files from Charelle Evelyn
