Community centre aquatic manager replaced

TRURO - The aquatic manager of the Rath EastLink Community Centre has been replaced.

Kathryn MacPhee, who was hired in July, was relieved of her duties a couple of weeks ago, Jim Lambert, the centre's general manager, confirmed yesterday.

"She didn't fit the corporate structure," Lambert said.

MacPhee had a diverse range of programming experience in recreation and aquatics along with experience in developing and implementing aquatic initiatives at new facilities.

She was a former aquatic coordinator at both the Canada Games Centre in Halifax and for the Municipality of East Hants.

MacPhee couldn't be reached for comment.

Suzanne Hicks McCully, who has been the pool director at Centennial Pool on the Truro campus of the Nova Scotia Community College for 15 years, has been hired to fill the position at the community centre. She started on Nov. 13.

"I'm very excited and thrilled to be given this challenge,' she said. "I've never opened a facility before. I've been getting quotes for equipment, developing a budget, doing a business plan and working on a policy and procedure manual."

She said she will be hiring staff in the future, but isn't certain when the aquatic centre is expected to open.

FACTFINDER: - November 24, 2012 at 08:00:17

Why is this even a news story? It becomes apparently clear that there is much more going on behind the scenes at this centre. I have consulted on numerous recreation development projects across the country and I have worked with both Ms. MacPhee and Ms. McCully. Congratulations Suzanne on your new challenge! Mr Lambert - Ms. MacPhee would seamlessly adapt to any corporate structure. Not only is she professionally engaged with key stakeholders across the industry (provincially and nationally) - she has experience developing new not for profit multi district sport / recreation facilities in your province! She has built other industry leaders from the ground up. You sir - are a fool with an alternate motive. I fear the real issue appears to be your lack of ability to successfully lead or manage a community development project. This facility is doomed if the community / municipality allows you to open this complex. It is disheartening for the community to see the loss of professional experience (and the proven ability to lead and develop high quality products and services). Suzanne is a great aquatic resource but simply does not have the past experience (skills or knowledge) in developing UNIQUE and INNOVATIVE community engagement experiences. The innovative approach Kathyrn brought to the table would have assisted in the long term stability of this organization. I hope the municipality steps in and finds the appropriate manager to lead this project forward. Unfortunately, I think the municipality is okay with complacency and the community will forever suffer (tax payers dollars) sustaining this project.

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TAX PAYER: - November 22, 2012 at 20:12:36

Won’t be long GM Lambert will be by the wayside too when he is unable to generate sufficient operating revenues for whatever reason he will inevitably say why this facility is poorly performing.....traffic and pedestrian egress and access problems, no sidewalks, parking woes, parking charges, lack of public transit, lack of seating, high ticket prices, high concession prices, high operating costs, high rental fees, too small, too big, too much competition, poor economy, bad ice, no bookings, poor location, peeling paint, alzheimer patients, mental health patients, drug addiction patients, lack of members, tarnished naming reputation, lighted walking tracks around town, Scotia Pool........his list will be endless…its true….it will.

Not Surprised: - November 22, 2012 at 16:27:30

No big surprise there. This whole town is one giant "click" If your buddies with the right people your set, if not too bad!!! Wow this womwn ran the Canada games pool! Let us really take a look at qualifications and not the friendships . Doesn't really change anything for our family, we can't afford to go to the Civic center anyway. I hope the rich and "friends" of Truro enjoy it.

nobody: - November 22, 2012 at 14:04:27

I agree Trurocitizen, congrats Suzanne!

k: - November 22, 2012 at 13:22:50

Why is this news? People are fired and hired everyday. But it does seem strange...MacPhee does sound more qualified.

JCR: - November 22, 2012 at 12:47:59

Yet another black cloud over this unfortunate facility. The hiring process at the Centre needs to be more transparent as this is not th first problem they have had in the process. I am afraid this is just the first of many problems they will experience - construction, naming, hiring, etc. - and the list goes on. This project has most definitely been a mistake from the start; our tax dollars could have been better spent, like making sure our hospitals are up to par - see the Auditor General's report. Disgraceful.

Toby: - November 22, 2012 at 11:17:31

Kathryn fit the corporate profile in July but does not now. The question is did the corporate profile change or did they just hire the wrong person the first time.

george: - November 22, 2012 at 09:46:52

somebody's friend must have needed a job, sounds like mcphee was more qualified....... not that that would happen in this town...

check your facts

- November 22, 2012 at 14:38:13

MacPhee has substantially less experience than McCully. McCully should have been the first choice.
got the facts

- November 23, 2012 at 01:51:55

It plainly says in the article that mcphee has experience opening new facilities, mcully does not, mcphee managed large complex facilities, mcully has not. She seems more qualified because ah is more qualified, she may not have as many years experience, but the experience she has is more fitting to open a new center and run a full aquatic program than mcullys 10 years experience running the current decrepit pool, not that I dont think she will do a fine job, in sure she will, but it seems as though mcphee got a bum deal

kevin: - November 22, 2012 at 07:10:09

Here we go.... It's like a circus at that place

flogger

- November 22, 2012 at 08:43:07

Ditto to that Kevin.
TruroCitizen

- November 22, 2012 at 08:53:57

Congratulations Suzanne!! You should have had the job in the first place.

9°C

Truro Daily News - News - Local

Community centre aquatic manager replaced

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