Sechelt has hired a permanent chief financial officer (CFO), Victor Mema.
Mema comes to Sechelt from Wood Buffalo, Alta., where he acted as the manager of financial planning.
Prior to that posting, Mema also served as manager of financial services for Lac La Biche County in Alberta and Los Gatos in California.
He saw the online posting for the top financial spot in Sechelt and sent in his resume.
"I liked the sense of community and the weather," he said, when asked why he wanted to apply.
Although Mema officially started on April 8, interim chief financial officer Tim Anderson will stay on until the District of Sechelt has finished its audit, which is now underway.
Anderson will hand Mema the reins to finish Sechelt's budget, which is nearly finalized. Mema said taking over the process won't be an issue.
"I have been following the budget discussions, and Tim and finance staff have done an awesome job with the process," he said.
Mema and his wife Similo moved to the Coast last Saturday, and Mema said he's found Coasters to be friendly, noting "everyone has been very helpful."
As Sechelt's new CFO, Mema will provide advice to council and the chief of innovation and growth on municipal finance and financial planning for the District. He will also support all departments in strategic planning, budgeting, financial reporting and monitoring, risk management, human resource management and performance management.
"We are delighted to have Victor join us," Sechelt Mayor John Henderson told Coast Reporter this week. "He brings a diverse range of experience and great enthusiasm to our team."
