Varela will start in her new role as CAO on May 16, 2022. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

plenty of experience

Qualicum Beach names Lou Varela as new CAO

Mar 15, 2022 | 4:39 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — The Town of Qualicum Beach announced they have a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

Lou Varela is coming to the town following her most recent role as CAO for the District of Oak Bay, and prior to that as the CAO for the Town of Creston.

Varela is also a member of the Planning Institute of BC, the Canadian Institute of Planners, and the Local Government Management Association.

Mayor Brian Weise said they are thrilled to be welcoming Varela to their town.

“With her extensive experience in municipal government, we are confident that our organization and our growing community will benefit from her leadership,” Mayor Weise said in a news release.

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As CAO, Varela will be responsible for supporting the development of policies and strategies that meet the priorities of the community, while overseeing the management of financial and operational matters for the Town.

Varela said she is thrilled to be joining the Qualicum Beach team.

“This community offers such a distinct sense of place and an amazing quality of life. The opportunity to innovate at a local government level while holding firm to those qualities that make the Town unique has great appeal, both personally and professionally. I look forward to serving the community, Council and staff in the role of Chief Administrative Officer for years to come,” says Ms. Varela.

Varela replaces Daniel Sailland, who accepted a position as the CAO for the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District based in Port Alberni.

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