The Abbotsford Board of Education’s former secretary-treasurer has been hired as the new chief administrative officer of the Fraser Valley Regional District.
George Murray’s appointment comes into effect on Feb. 1, 2012.
The FVRD’s current CAO Gerald Kingston announced his retirement from a career in public service that spanned 33 years, and three adaptations of what is currently known as the Fraser Valley Regional District. He was CAO for the past 11 years.
“Gerry leaves behind a legacy of tireless dedication and commitment to this region. His tremendous efforts will not be forgotten,” said Patricia Ross, the Chair of the FVRD and an Abbotsford councillor, in a press release.
She added that Murray was chosen from a number of highly qualified candidates from across Canada.
“We are thrilled that the position attracted such a high degree of extremely qualified candidates,” she 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.”
Murray is currently the FVRD’s general manager of regional and corporate services. He brings to his new position 28 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, including eight and a half years of working as the secretary treasurer with the Abbotsford School District. Prior to that, he worked for 15 years in a leadership capacity for the municipalities of Whistler and Chilliwack.
Ross said Murray’s diverse background and extensive involvement in local government issues equips him with an in-depth understanding of the distinct needs of regional and municipal levels of government, and she said he has a proven track record of success.