A new chief administrative officer has been named at the Fraser Valley Regional District.
George Murray, a former director of corporate services in Chilliwack until he resigned in 2000 to become secretary-treasurer at the Abbotsford school district, is stepping into the CAO position vacated by retiring Gerry Kingston.
Murray is currently the FVRD’s General Manager of Regional and Corporate Services.
But FVRD chair Patricia Ross said Murray emerged as “the top contender” in a selection process that drew highly qualified candidates from across Canada.
“We are thrilled that the position attracted such a high degree of extremely qualified candidates,” Ross said.
“George has done an outstanding job for the FVRD in his current position, and we are confident he will continue to excel in his new leadership role,” she said.
Kingston recently announced his retirement as CAO after a 33-year career of public service which included stints at the Comox Valley Regional District on Vancouver Island, and at the Central Fraser Valley Regional District and the Fraser-Cheam Regional District before they merged with the Dewdney-Alouette Regional District to form the current FVRD.
“Gerry leaves behind a legacy of tireless dedication and commitment to this region, his tremendous efforts will not be forgotten,” Ross said.
Kingston said he enjoyed his “stimulating (sometimes painful)” 33.5 years in regional government, and the the regional board directors, staff and public have all contributed to lasting memories.
“I have had the opportunity to be part of vast changes in government at all levels in terms of legislation, programs, service delivery, technology and the more unfortunate aspect of downloading over my years of service,” he said.
Murray’s appointment is effective Feb. 1.
