By Rusty Bradshaw
By
Rusty BradshawIndependent NewsmediaThe Recreation Centers of Sun City staff saw a changeover of personnel.
Jim Wellman officially stepped down as assistant general manager to become the corporation’s building and infrastructure manager April 1. Jan Ek, RCSC general manager, announced the move March 30 during the RCSC board meeting prior to Mr. Wellman reading his monthly report for the last time.
“I’m going to get emotional,” she said as she began. “I always get emotional when I talk about my staff.”
Jan Ek, left, Recreation Centers of Sun City general manager, talks about the changeover that will see Jim Wellman, center, step down as assistant general manager and be replaced by Chris Herring.
Chris Herring, RCSC’s former Support and Services director, was promoted to assistant general manager.
“I was blessed to have worked with Jim for 10 years and I am equally blessed to be now working with Chris,” Ms. Ek said.
Mr. Wellman began employment with RCSC as one of four senior managers that reported to the board president. When Ms. Ek was hired he was named assistant general manager.
“Those four senior managers oversaw the four divisions at that time,” Mr. Wellman explained.
Mr. Herring was originally hired as RCSC’s information technology manager. Ms. Ek said he gained other duties along the way before being named Support and Services director.
“It was fortunate that about 27 days after I was hired, I was able to hire this guy,” she said.
The change was made at Mr. Wellman’s request.
“I’m getting older now and it was just time to do something else,” he said. “Now I’ll be able to work about eight hours per day rather than 12-13.”
Ms. Ek said the move was the best option for RCSC management.
“It was better than retirement, which is why I approved, grudgingly, this option,” she said.
Mr. Wellman said he thoroughly enjoyed attending board meetings during his tenure as assistant general manager.
“(I) have been amazed by the lively discussions coupled with statements of admiration and appreciation between a bazillion boards of directors and cardholders alike,” he stated in his final report.
He encouraged people to visit him at his new office in the Skilled Trades/Willowbrook maintenance building on Union Hills Drive just west of 99th Avenue.
“As I take on this new pursuit, I do so with respect and gratitude for all fellow Sun Citians who care deeply about this community and work harmoniously to keep Sun City the best retirement community on the planet,” he stated.