Retired Official Takes Interim Role in Parikkala

Harri Anttila, the recently retired municipal manager of Rautjärvi, has taken on a temporary leadership role in Parikkala. He received a phone call in January from Sami Sinkkonen, chair of Parikkala’s municipal council and a member of the Centre Party, who explained the situation and asked if Anttila would be interested in stepping in. Anttila believes his years of experience will benefit the municipality during this transitional period. The interim position will last until the end of July at the latest, bridging the gap until a permanent municipal manager is appointed. Parikkala was left without a manager after Pääkkö had been granted release from her duties at the end of January and took administrative leave through the end of February before starting her new role as municipal manager of Polvijärvi in North Karelia on March 1. Anttila officially retired on February 1 but agreed to assist Parikkala on a short-term basis. His decision followed direct outreach from local officials seeking experienced leadership during the vacancy. The arrangement ensures continuity in municipal operations while the recruitment process for a permanent replacement moves forward.