Administration

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The executive management team of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), led by the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), is tasked with ensuring the efficient delivery of programs and services within the CVRD. Though this team is accountable to the CVRD Board of Directors, its members share a much greater sense of accountability to each and every CVRD resident.

All members of the executive management team act as key advisors to the CAO and the CVRD Board of Directors with regard to implementing board’s strategic priorities and delivering CVRD services.

CVRD Organization Chart

Executive Management Team

Russell Dyson, Chief Administrative Officer

With more than 30 years of local government experience, Russell was appointed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Comox Valley Regional District in 2017. Prior to his role as CAO for the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, he occupied senior management positions with the City of Port Alberni and the Lantzville Improvement District. In the late 1980s, Russell worked as a planner for the Comox Strathcona Regional District.

As CAO for the CVRD, Russell is also the CAO for the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District and Secretary for the North Island 911 Corporation. Within his role he leads the CVRD's executive management team, comprising the engineering services branch, community services branch, planning and development services branch, finance, human resources and corporate services branch.

Russell brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities to the organization. He believes in working together and finding the best possible solution for the region and its residents.

CAO/Board Convenant

Ian Smith, General Manager of Community Services Branch

Ian Smith is responsible for managing all matters relating to key interests of the community, including parks, recreation, fire protection, emergency planning, transit and sustainability. Ian ensures a comprehensive and integrated approach in the provision of services in order to meet the strategic priorities and requirements of the CVRD Board of Directors, 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.

Marc Rutten, General Manager of Engineering Services Branch

Marc is responsible for water, sewer, rural liquid waste/rainwater management and solid waste. Marc 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.

James Warren, General Manager of Corporate Services

James is responsible for managing all matters relating to corporate services including: administration, animal control, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) office inquiries/ombudsperson complaints, communications, elections, freedom of information requests, geographic information systems, information technology, legislative services, marketing, media relations, public education, records management, risk management and strategic planning. James 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.

Beth Dunlop, Corporate Financial Officer

Beth is the Corporate Financial Officer (CFO) and is an appointed officer of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), 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 CVRD, in compliance with legislative requirements and in accordance with the needs of the board, Chief Administrative Officer and various stakeholders.

Julie Bradley, Executive Manager of Human Resources

Julie leads the formulation and implementation of a progressive human resources and labour relations strategy to attract, engage, motivate and retain the Comox Valley Regional District's personnel. She 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.

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, the board, 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.

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