Debra Oakman, Chief Administrative Officer

Debra Oakman was appointed chief administrative officer (CAO) of the CVRD in August 2008, after having been acting in the position since February of that year and a member of the CVRD’s senior team for the previous 14 years.  Debra is also the CAO of the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District, secretary for the North Island 911 Corporation and oversees the contract administration for the Comox Valley Economic Development Society.

Debra leads the CVRD’s executive management team, comprising the property services branch, community services branch, public affairs & information systems branch, finance, human resources, legislative services and corporate policy.

• CAO/board covenant                                                                  Back

Ian Smith, GM of Community Services Branch

Ian is responsible for managing all matters relating to key interests of the community, including parks, recreation, fire protection and regional solid waste. Ian ensures a comprehensive and integrated approach in the provision of services in order to meet the strategic priorities and requirements of the board, chief administrative officer and various stakeholders, while supporting and enhancing the sustainability principles and policies of the regional growth strategy and related land conservation, public health and safety strategies. Back

Kevin Lorette, GM of Property Service Branch

Kevin is responsible for managing all matters relating to property owner interests, including the development of land, construction of buildings and water/sewerage servicing to the property. Kevin’s position ensures a comprehensive and integrated approach in the provision of services in order to meet the strategic priorities and requirements of the board, chief administrative officer and various stakeholders, while supporting and enhancing the sustainability principles and policies of the regional growth strategy and related land conservation, public health and safety strategies.

Leigh Carter, GM of Public Affairs/Information Systems Branch

Leigh is responsible for managing all matters relating to public affairs, communications, issues management, bylaw compliance/special investigations, and information systems. Leigh ensures a comprehensive and integrated approach in the provision of services in order to meet the strategic priorities and requirements of the board, the chief administrative officer and various stakeholders, while supporting and enhancing the sustainability principles and policies of the regional growth strategy and related land conservation, public health and safety strategies.

Back

Beth Dunlop, Corporate Financial Officer

Beth is the corporate financial officer (CFO) and is an appointed officer of the Comox Valley Regional District, responsible for statutory financial administration duties pursuant to the Local Government Act. The CFO leads the financial, accounting, insurance, purchasing and contracting functions for the regional district, in compliance with legislative requirements and in accordance with the needs of the board, chief administrative officer and various stakeholders.
Back

Position currently vacant, Manager of Strategic and Long Range Planning

The department is responsible for leading and directing long range land use planning, sustainability, policy, transit and other strategic initiatives in supporting the regional district’s mandate and business objectives, while addressing the needs of diverse and often conflicting stakeholder interests. Geoff leads the development of the regional district’s strategic plan and long term business plans, and is responsible for the design and development of performance planning and risk management strategies and frameworks.

Back

Will Hwang, Executive Manager of Human Resources

Will leads the formulation and implementation of a progressive human resources and labour relations strategy to attract, engage, motivate and retain the regional district’s personnel. He leads the development, implementation and administration of human resources, labour relations, health and safety, payroll and benefits policies and programs. This position brings a human resources perspective to business plans and operations and resolving human resource issues that have an impact on the achievement of organizational goals. 
Back

James Warren, Corporate Legislative Officer

James is the corporate legislative officer, an appointed officer of the Comox Valley Regional District, and leads the provision of legislative, governance and administrative services in accordance with statutory corporate administration requirements of the Local Government Act. James is a key advisor to the board, the chief administrative officer and executive. He organizes and attends board and committee meetings, oversees the corporate records function, performs the roles of information and privacy coordinator and chief election officer, prepares bylaws, oversees legal issues, and assumes responsibility as a signing officer for the regional district.
Back

Teresa Warnes, Executive Assistant

Teresa is responsible for managing the smooth and efficient operation of the office of the chief administrative officer (CAO). The position facilitates communications and information flow between the CAO and the executive team, board of directors, board committee members and a broad variety of external stakeholders, ensuring commitments are met and urgent issues are addressed. Teresa researches information, coordinates submissions from the CAO’s office, and ensures the CAO is prepared for all board, board committee and executive meetings. The position organizes meetings, takes minutes, performs executive secretarial duties, maintains executive office files, and undertakes various assignments of a confidential nature. As the executive assistant, Teresa provides administrative assistance to the human resources department and performs the duties of the legislative services’ administration officer as required.

Back