BayToday has learned from several sources that embattled Conservation Authority CAO Chithra Gowda has resigned after a meeting with the board of directors. Her last day is June 10.
She has a new job at Lower Trent Conservation Authority as the Manager of Corporate Services with a starting date of June 12.
Employees were informed by email dated Monday May 21. It reads in part, "I'd like to let you know that I am moving on from the NBMCA, and am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with you these past two years. I sincerely thank each of you for your work and dedication in improving the environment and supporting the communities of the watershed and beyond."
See: Local Conservation Authority in 'total chaos' says its own HR director
Inside trusted sources say that it was a Board decision to have that discussion with Gowda.
BayToday reached out to both Gowda and Board Chair Shelley Belanger Tuesday to get further information but received no response.
The Board has left the public in the dark throughout the turmoil and even ignored its own employees who had sent a letter to the board asking for a meeting on the crisis but heard nothing back. That frustration eventually led to the employees staging a walkout as staff-management relations at the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority got so bad workers took extreme action to try and get the board's attention.
See: Conservation Authority staff walk out in protest
BayToday had asked Gowda on April 11 if she was considering resigning over the protest but she was noncommittal.
Gowda's resignation comes on the heels of Conservation Authority HR Director Mark Bremer going public in March with his concerns over how the staff is being treated, after repeatedly warning the Board of the "chaos" that had destroyed staff morale. He said staff-management relations are the worst he has seen in his 30-plus years in human resources, describing Gowda's management style as "crazy" and "probably insanity."
That led to Gowda locking Bremer out of his own office, and Bremer's resignation, preempting what he believed would be his firing.
See: Conservation Authority changes lock on HR Director's office door
After 50 years without one, the employees recently unionized, as one said "as an extra layer of protection from management."
The Board's lack of action has resulted in large staff turnover. and Bremer has stated that 80 per cent of the 28 employees are "looking aggressively" for another job. The Ministry of Labour is looking into the situation.
Mark Bremer's reaction to the news was simple, "I am pleased to learn that justice was served."
