Metro Vancouver parts ways with chief administrative officer

The Metro Vancouver Regional District has terminated its chief administrative officer, Jerry Dobrovolny, who served the organization since 2019. Dobrovolny, who also holds the position of commissioner, was part of the regional district during pivotal events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing construction of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The plant, which has faced significant delays and cost overruns, has been a subject of scrutiny and calls for a public inquiry, with estimates of its completion cost rising from $700 million in 2017 to $3.86 billion in March. Following Dobrovolny's departure, Heather McNell, a deputy chief administrative officer, will assume his responsibilities on an acting basis.

The board chair, Mike Hurley, revealed that the decision to part ways with Dobrovolny was made in anticipation of the upcoming municipal election and as part of broader governance reform initiatives.