District of Oak Bay
News Release

                                                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2019

Oak Bay Chief Administrative Officer

Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch announced today that the District of Oak Bay will be embarking immediately on a process to recruit a permanent Chief Administrative Officer.

The District hired Ms. Lou Varela as Interim CAO in June 2018 to lead the organization until after the 2018 Local Government Election.  Now that a new Municipal Council is in place, the next key step is the hiring of a permanent CAO.

Mayor Murdoch stated, “As Interim CAO Ms. Varela has had an extremely positive impact on our organization.  We are grateful for her leadership during a period of transition and for her upcoming support during the CAO recruitment process. I know Council and staff will be sad to see her leave.  We wish her all the best in the future.”

“My time in Oak Bay has been fabulous,” said Ms. Varela. “I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with Council, staff and the residents of Oak Bay. There are wonderful people here that do amazing work for the community and I am honoured to have been a part of the team. Prior to returning home to the Kootenays, I am looking forward to assisting with the recruitment process for a permanent CAO who will be a great fit for the organization.”

Mayor Murdoch said that Council’s goal is to complete the recruitment process as soon as possible to facilitate a smooth transition.  This will ensure that the important work of Council and staff will continue without interruption.

Following Ms. Varela’s departure, Warren Jones, Director of Corporate Services, will be Acting Chief Administrative Officer until a permanent CAO is appointed.

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For media enquiries, please call:
Kevin Murdoch
Mayor, District of Oak Bay
(250) 896-4983