CDC director placed on leave

The Sweetwater County Child Developmental Center’s board of trustees voted to place its executive director, Shelly Wall, on administrative leave last week.

According to Christy Magagna, chairman of the board, the decision came after nearly 90 minutes of discussion in an executive session. Such sessions are allowed under Wyoming law in regards to employee matters.

“Children have been and will always be our number one priority here at the CDC. The pending review has nothing to do with the mismanagement of funds or property, safety or health of our students. We have and will continue to deliver educational programs and services that are life changing for children in our community.

As with all personnel matters, further information is confidential,” Magagna stated in a release from the CDC.

According to the release, the CDC’s leadership team will take over management during the board’s review.

Magagna said the team consists of Lynne Chadey, Paul Haapala, Brittany Wells and Gail Thiemke. Chadey is head of the CDC’s human resources department, Wells works as the director of marketing and fundraising while Thiemke directs the organization’s finance department and Haapala is the information technology director.

“The board has developed a plan to ensure interim leadership at the centers. We have the utmost confidence in the ability of the current leadership team to handle any questions or decisions that may arise during the review process,” Magagna said in the media release.

While Wall is on administrative leave, she will continue to be paid by the CDC. Wells said the organization could not make further comment regarding the issue because it involves an employee evaluation.