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Elkford’s ‘brand champion’ resigns

After eight years of holding the position of Chief Administrative Officer, Corien Speaker has resigned from the District of Elkford.
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After eight years of holding the position of Chief Administrative Officer

After eight years of holding the position of Chief Administrative Officer, Corien Speaker has resigned from the District of Elkford.

Speaker officially announced her resignation on Wednesday, June 6, having accepted the CAO position at the District of Squamish. She will begin her new role with the municipality on July 3.

Since the commencement of her employment with the District of Elkford in 2004, Speaker has been a “brand champion” for the District’s award-winning re-branding process, helped shape a new tax sharing agreement in the Elk Valley, and has guided the creation of an Official Community Plan that has been recognized by the United Nations for its climate change adaptation strategy.

“We are proud of the accomplishments that Corien has achieved during her time with the

District,” said Elkford mayor Dean McKerracher.

“She has helped our municipality stand out and continuously strive for greatness. She will be missed.”

Speaker is a certified general accountant and holds a diploma in local government management from the University of Victoria.

She has worked in local government for 21 years, and was the chief financial officer for the City of Prince Rupert before coming to Elkford. She helped guide the Prince Rupert community through a financial meltdown, when its local pulp mill defaulted on its taxes. During that time, Speaker became Prince Rupert's acting CAO.

The CAO plays a vital role in steering a municipality and is responsible for the hiring and firing of staff and ensuring that council's goals are carried out.

At this time, the District of Elkford has not made any decisions regarding the process for

replacing the CAO.