Advocacy group’s CEO in shock exit
ADVANCE Cairns has revealed its next step following CEO Paul Sparshott’s shock resignation just over a year after taking on the high-salary job.
The regional advocacy group’s chairman Nick Trompf is set to step back into an interim executive chairman role until a new chief executive officer is found.
Dr Sparshott said it was time to refocus on some of his other passions.
“I have really enjoyed my time as CEO of Advance Cairns,” he said in a statement to members.
“It is an excellent organisation that fights for our region and future.
“Advance Cairns has helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in election commitments from both major parties and I believe there is still more to come.
“However, the time has come where I would now like to now focus on some of my special interests like sustainable city planning and development, infrastructure development and investment.”
The urban planning expert from Brisbane, who has a PhD in philosophy, was appointed to the role in March last year after a months-long recruiting process.
Dr Sparshott will leave the organisation on June 6.
“I would like to thank Paul for his efforts during a challenging period amid the Covid pandemic and wish him well for the future,” Mr Trompf said.
“The Advance Cairns CEO plays an important role and with the renewed economic growth being enjoyed by the region we are confident of securing an excellent appointment.”