FARGO ( KFGO) – Fargo Park District Executive Director Joel Vettel resigned effective immediately.
Although not offering specific’s on his departure, he said in a statement that he knew that the job hard and that he had “huge shoes” to fill, reference to longtime Park District head Roger Gress, who retired three years ago. Vettel said he did the job the best he could but determined he could no longer continue as executive director.
Vettel said the park district has good people and he looks forward to finding his next professional opportunities. Park Board President Rusty Papachek says the board is still working on a separation agreement with Vettel. Papachek could not comment on the reasons surrounding Vettel’s departure.
Dave Leker, the park district’s second in command, has been named Interim Executive Director.
Sources told KFGO News that Vettel’s departure was the result of his management style and a “lack of confidence” from employees. One source said it was “not a good fit.”
Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau President Charley Johnson says Vettel had a good relationship with the CVB and will be missed.
Vettel’s statement is below:
“I would like to thank the citizens of Fargo for the opportunity to serve as the executive director of the Fargo Park District for the last three years. I stepped into this job with a vision and dream of improving upon our wonderful park district. This was a huge undertaking and I recognize I had huge shoes to fill. I did this job to the best of my ability, but I feel I can no longer continue in the role as executive director. Therefore, I have submitted my resignation to the Park District Commissioners. My family and I have always been huge supporters of the Fargo Park District and will continue to do so. This is a fantastic organization and a wonderful community. There are good people here and I wish them well. I look forward to spending more time with my family and friends, and finding my next professional opportunities.”
