The CEO’s contract was to expire in April next year, but Ms Cardew requested a small extension until July to ensure the council was not left with a new or acting CEO in the middle of preparing the budget.
In a letter to mayor Peter, Ms Cardew wrote that she intended to retire and that while she would not be seeking a further term as CEO, she asked if the council would consider a three-month extension to her current contract.
The former Douglas Shire CEO said it would allow her to complete several major projects, help to develop the 2022-23 budget, and facilitate a succession plan and handover schedule for the succeeding CEO.
The council accepted Ms Cardew’s letter of intent and request for an extension.
Cr Scott congratulated Ms Cardew on her decision to retire and thanked the CEO for her valuable contribution to the shire.
“She has been such an asset to council and to the community of Cook since accepting the role of CEO in 2018,” the mayor said.
“Having worked at several other local government councils, her incredible wealth of experience and dedication to local government, combined with her passion for community and kind heart has a brought strength and stability to Cook Shire.”
Ms Cardew and her husband Tony are planning to complete the final leg of an adventure they started almost 40 years ago – circumnavigating the world on their yacht.
The council will start the recruitment process for a new CEO in the coming weeks.
