Mark Brown has been appointed interim CAO for the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) with a July 15 start date.
“We congratulate Mark on his formal appointment to the role of Interim CAO,” said SCRD board chair Lori Pratt in a release following the July 11 board meeting where the appointment was finalized. “His strong capability, long-standing familiarity with local government operations and proven attention to fiscal responsibility positions him for success.”
Brown was CAO at the Town of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island and interim CAO for the Village of McBride in northeast B.C. He also served as director of renewal for the Town of High River, Alta., in addition to senior roles with municipal and local government associations.
He has diplomas in public administration from the University of Victoria and Vancouver Island University, and experience in project management, administration, finance, disaster recovery and mitigation, and community and protective services, according to the release.
Outgoing chief legislative officer Angie Legault has been serving as the SCRD’s interim CAO since Janette Loveys stepped down to pursue a position in Ontario last March. Legault is leaving the SCRD on July 22 to take the position of corporate officer for the Cowichan Valley Regional District on Vancouver Island.
At the July 11 board meeting, chair Pratt thanked Legeault for her service. “I just wanted to give my appreciation and gratitude…You will be sorely missed here.” Directors and those in attendance joined in applause to acknowledge her service.
Meanwhile, the search for a permanent CAO continues. The board has hired Waterhouse Executive Search to assist with recruitment. “Since that process is expected to take a few months, having an interim CAO was a priority for us,” said Pratt in the release.
At a planning committee meeting earlier in the day, Pratt also acknowledged senior planner Andrew Allen’s departure. He was recently hired as the director of planning at the District of Sechelt and July 11 was his last planning committee meeting with the SCRD.
“Thank you so much, Andrew, for all your work for the regional district over the last number years,” said Pratt. “Congratulations on your upcoming role and thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us.”
