The RDN has plenty of time to select its next chief administrative officer. (Image Credit: file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

CAO search

RDN top official to retire, plenty of time to find successor  

Feb 18, 2026 | 2:00 PM

NANAIMO — While the Regional District of Nanamo’s chief administrative officer is nearly one year from calling it a career, the RDN is already preparing to find its next leader. 

CAO Doug Holmes informed the RDN he intends to retire effective Jan. 22, 2027, will end a nearly six-year tenure heading the regional government. 

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the RDN formally issued a request for qualified service providers to assist in the search for the RDN’s next CAO, with submissions accepted until March 17. 

Stating the RDN is well served by Holmes’ leadership, board chair Stuart McLean told NanaimoNewsNOW having plenty of advance notice makes the transition much easier. 

“Certainly, the Board is very grateful to Mr. Holmes for providing ample notice and being very willing to work to make it a successful transition and as smooth as possible.” 

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Mclean said he’s not sure at this point if the CAO hiring decision will be made before or after October’s municipal election. 

The 19-member RDN board will serve as the CAO hiring committee, McLean said, who noted they’ll be assisted by the expertise of a hiring firm and their internal human resources department.  

“It will be a comprehensive and transparent process,” McLean said. “The goal is to have a new CAO in place no later than the end of this year.” 

Citing continuous population growth, the need for infrastructure investment and services, McLean said there are many exciting opportunities and dynamic challenges for their next CAO.  

“The organization does have many large projects on the go, they do need a strong leadership position to make sure that everything is running smoothly and can stay on budget. It is a critical position for the RDN.” 

The RDN encompasses four municipalities (Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville and Qualicum Beach) and seven rural areas between Cedar and Bowser. 

Roughly 170,000 people live within the RDN’s boundaries. 

Doug Holmes previously held the CAO role with the Alberni-Cloyoquot Regional District, along with numerous upper management positions in local governments in B.C. and Alberta. (Image Credit: submitted photo)

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