Sources confirm senior managers have been dismissed in Greater Sudbury

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Sudbury CAO axes 6 senior positions, cites need for new direction, leadership

Senior managers fired in Greater Sudbury

After news that the auditor general’s office had been eliminated earlier this week, CTV News has confirmed more senior managers have been dismissed in Greater Sudbury.

Sources have confirmed that deputy fire chief Jesse Oshell has been dismissed, along with Kevin Fowke, the general manager of corporate services, David Shelsted, the director of engineering services, and Melissa Roney, the deputy chief of paramedic services.

At least two other staffers have been let go, sources say.

Shelsted was best known for heading up the construction of the Maley Drive extension, which was finished on time and under budget.

Fowke was named interim CAO after Ed Archer was dismissed in 2024, but returned to his role as general manager of corporate services after current CEO Shari Lichterman was hired in 2025.

Roney had been with the city for 24 years and had been deputy chief of paramedic services since 2018.

While not confirming any names -- or even how many people were affected -- Lichterman said in a statement Thursday that there had been staffing changes at city hall.

“The city is undergoing a period of organizational change,” Lichterman said.

“As part of this work, staffing decisions are being made to support the city’s renewed strategic direction. While privacy prevents the city from discussing specific personnel matters, what we can say is this restructuring is intended to help accelerate the change, ensuring value for taxpayers.”

And she discussed the changes in an internal email obtained by CTV News.

“These are really difficult decisions to make and we (want to) ensure employees who leave the organization are treated fairly and respectfully,” the email said.

“The organization is moving in a new direction, and we appreciate the contributions from everyone who helped us get here today. I look forward to sharing more of the new vision and priorities in the coming weeks.”