After more than a decade under the same leader, someone new has officially taken the helm of the regional district.
Mark Pendergraft, the director for rural Osoyoos, was elected by colleagues Thursday to serve as chair of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.
As vice-chair, Pendergraft was pressed into service in May when Dan Ashton stepped aside to run for MLA. Ashton was into his 12th year in the top spot.
“I’m happy my fellow directors saw fit to support me in the role of board chair and I look forward to working on behalf of the board, the regional district and its citizens,” said Pendergraft.
Pendergraft was nominated by Angelique Wood, the director for rural Keremeos and Hedley.
Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes declined a nomination by Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino, which allowed Pendergraft to win by acclamation.
Hovanes did, however, let his name stand for the position of vice-chair, but was defeated by Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer.
The results of the votes were not released. The board consists of elected representatives from each of the eight electoral areas and appointed representatives from the various member municipalities with the regional district.
