File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

New CAO

No longer acting: Kamloops council appoints McCorkell as CAO on interim basis

Oct 11, 2024 | 11:28 AM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops’ acting chief administrative officer had “acting” removed from his title.

Kamloops council announced Byron McCorkell will serve as the city’s CAO on an interim basis, effective Tuesday, Oct. 15.

McCorkell has served as acting CAO since March 7 when it was announced that CAO David Trawin would be away on personal leave for an undetermined period of time. In a news release issued Friday (Oct. 11) morning, the city says Trawin remains on extended leave “for personal reasons.”

Speaking to CFJC Today, Deputy Mayor Mike O’Reilly says McCorkell’s appointment gives the civic corporation more certainty.

“It provides clarity to the organization and our staff,” said O’Reilly. “At some points, when you’re running an organization, big decisions need to be made and that’s difficult to do under an ‘acting’ title. This provides more clarity for the organization going forward.”

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On March 26, Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson suspended McCorkell, much to the chagrin of the rest of council. Council reinstated McCorkell two days later.

O’Reilly says council voted unanimously to remove McCorkell’s ‘acting’ title at a recent closed meeting. Hamer-Jackson was not present for that meeting.

O’Reilly says McCorkell has proven to be a strong leader since serving as acting CAO, adding he has deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Kamloops.

McCorkell has been with the City of Kamloops since 1999 when he accepted the Parks and Recreation Director position.

“I am honoured to accept this role and to continue serving the residents of Kamloops,” McCorkell states. “It has been a privilege to work with the dedicated staff and leadership of this municipality, and I am excited to take on this responsibility and help move Kamloops forward.”