Trisha Shanks
Arrow Lakes News
After four years as Nakusp’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Linda Tynan is stepping down, effective March 18. She has accepted a position of CAO for the District of Summerland which starts April 1. Tynan, her partner Robert Simmerling, and their elderly dog Jasper will be relocating to the Okanagan this spring though will retain a Nelson residence to accommodate Simmerling’s business.
Tynan came to Nakusp from Nelson where she held the title of Director of Corporate Services. During her time in Nakusp, she has fine-tuned her skills in the top-tier executive role for a smaller municipality before choosing to move to a community the size of Nelson in the same role.
“I’m most excited about the challenges of the job — I’m interested in developing the cultural aspect of Summerland. My skillset is particularly well suited for there. I’ve been in the Kootenays for a while now so I’m also looking forward to the new recreational opportunities. Exploring the Okanagan. Taking in as much as I can,” Tynan explained.
When choosing to come to Nakusp four years ago, Tynan was attracted to the position because of some of the challenges that Nakusp was facing.
“I knew of the issues and that my particular bundle of skills would be an asset — especially the finance part of it. I had the right mix of skills at the time and I feel that they were really well used in this role.”
When Tynan started at the Village of Nakusp, there had been a lot of staff turnover and several projects were underway. She dove right in and worked hard over the next four years to be able to leave Nakusp knowing that things have been simplified and all is moving in the right direction.
The Arrow Lakes News asked Tynan what she would miss.
“The overwhelming support from the Mayor and Council, the staff and the community. People here have a desire to make things right, to get through difficult things. So many people do so much for this village.”
She is hoping to be able to stay connected and will be leading the search for her replacement.
“I feel a lot of gratitude to the people of Nakusp. I also understand more than ever before how important relationships with the people you work with are. The village has an exceptional staff and even though I have accomplished much while I have been here, I would not have been able to if it had not been for the support given to me by the staff I work with. I hope to apply the same principles when I go to Summerland and develop strong relationships with the staff as I have done here. It’s a really good working environment.”