Canton Director of Parks and Recreation to fill CAO position on interim basis

By John Fitts 

Staff Writer 

Taryn Schrager

CANTON – The town has looked internally to temporarily fill the role of Chief Administrative Officer while a permanent replacement is found. 

As reported in our June 7 issue, Robert Skinner recently announced that he will be retiring after 16 years in the role. Town officials have selected Director of Parks and Recreation Taryn Schrager to serve on an interim basis from Aug. 31 until someone can start filling the role on a more permanent basis. 

“It’s a great choice,” said Skinner. “I’ve enjoyed working with Taryn over the last few years. I think she’s very qualified, very experienced.” 

Skinner also noted that Schrager, in her role, deals with a lot of the areas – such as employee relations, payroll, finance and programming – that will translate to overseeing all town operations on a day-to-day basis. 

First Selectman Kevin Witkos agreed with that sentiment. 

“I think the work that she does on a day-in, day-out basis kind of mirrors a lot of the work that a CEO would have to do. She just exemplifies public service and follows up on things, and is someone we think will do right by the town to fit this position,” Witkos said. 

The interim appointment was made at a June 22 special Board of Selectmen meeting. 

Selectman Stephen Sedor spoke on behalf of the search committee, which consisted of himself and BOS member Elizabeth Winsor, with the help of Skinner. 

“We spoke at length about different individuals we thought would be appropriate to appoint as an interim for this position,” Sedor said at the meeting. “We thought that trying to get a permanent replacement for Bob between now and the end of August was really not something that was workable, and it seemed like the consensus of the other selectmen was to go with an interim as well.”

“So, during the discussions with Mr. Skinner and Ms. Winsor, we considered a couple of different candidates and it was our consensus that based on her skills and based upon her talent and based on her abilities that Taryn Schrager would be the individual we would like to bring to the full board for appointment as the interim CAO until we can find a permanent replacement – if that can ever be done – for Mr. Skinner.”

Schrager has been in her Canton role since January of 2020. She was previously recreation supervisor in Simsbury and worked in that town from August of 2011 to July of 2019. 

She also worked previously for Indian Valley YMCA in Ellington and prior to that served in many part-time roles for Vernon Parks and Recreation as she was pursuing her education, which includes a psychology degree from Central Connecticut State University and a master’s in Athletic Administration from Springfield College earned in 2010.  

“It was certainly a little bit of a surprise,” Schrager said of the interim role, adding that it was something she and her husband Derek mulled over a bit because they have two young children and know that the role will require some additional responsibilities and evening meetings. 

“Obviously I am very grateful, and I appreciate the trust that Bob and the Board of Selectmen have in my abilities to take over the role.”

Schrager said she is confident that her staff, particularly recreation supervisor Kellie Faust and recreation coordinator Claire Boughton, will be able to keep the department going, and she hopes to still spend a little time in the Parks and Recreation office during the tenure. 

“They’re so wonderful and they’re such dedicated hard-working people that it makes it possible for me to be able to step up,” she said. 

Schrager and town officials also feel that her being in town and familiarity with personnel will help with the transition as Skinner leaves and then again when a new person comes in town. 

“I feel very fortunate that I get to work with Bob for some time before he leaves and kind of hear his knowledge and experience in the role so that I have that as we go into the time he’s retired and not here,” said Schrager, who noted that she is not, at the moment, interested in the CAO job for the long term and loves her current position.  

Schrager also noted she’s already worked with most town departments in some capacity and looks forward to more. 

“Everyone’s been wonderful to work with. I’m glad to be able to work with them and kind of expand our working together,” Schrager said.