By Ian Holmes

New RDN CAO hints at changes

Oct 19, 2016 | 6:31 PM

NANAIMO — The Regional District of Nanaimo’s new CAO says changes to the organization are coming but it’s too early to say exactly what those will be.

Phyllis Carlyle is in her second week on the job after accepting the position in late August.

“There is no doubt that any new chief administrative officer brings changes and there will be change, hopefully for the better, but that change will be discussed with the board,” said Carlyle.

Carlyle says one of her first priorities is getting engaged with the various Regional District communities and get a handle on what people expect from the RDN.

“To ensure that I have the lay of the land so-to-speak and that I have the opportunity to meet with a number of community groups. My door is open and I’m certainly approachable.”

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Carlyle spent the past 12 years as gm of law and community safety at the city of Richmond and has 26 years of municipal experience. Carlyle has a law degree and a master of science. She previously spent several years as a practicing lawyer. Financial documents released by the RDN show that she will be paid an annual salary of $206,000.

Carlyle was hired following a lengthy process in which the Regional District leaned on an executive search firm to help identify leadership talent from across Canada.

“The thing that excites me about having Phyliss on board is she comes with a fresh set of eyes, having a fresh set of eyes is always good for an organization,” said RDN board chair Bill Veenhof.

Veenhof led the executive committee who interviewed various candidates, eventually turning to Carlyle to be the RDN’s next leader.

“The fact that Phyliss is a lawyer is a skill set that I’m going to lean on rather heavily…that’s a core attribute that will be very useful on the job.”

Veenhof says Carlyle’s local government experience is extensive and varied, which is a huge plus as well.

Carlyle was hired in late August after the RDN’s previous cao Paul Thorkellson resigned late last year to take the same position with the district of Saanich. Dennis Trudeau, who served as the RDN’s interim cao, has since returned to his formal role as gm of transportation, solid waste and emergency planning services.