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Oak Bay announces new Chief Administrative Officer

Helen Koning named as the new hire for the district

Helen Koning named as the new hire for the district

Oak Bay is ready to introduce its new Chief Administrative Officer, as a nation-wide executive search process has named Helen Koning as the new hire.

Koning, who served as interim CAO with the Town of Princeton, is also the principal of Koning Consulting – a group which provides specialized services for government clients across B.C. Koning will be taking her new seat as of Nov. 4, as she replaces Gary Nason who has been serving as interim Chief Administrative Officer since March 11.

Though Koning has an array of past experience, including assignments as CAO and Corporate Officer for five municipalities, as well as the Skeena Queen Charlotte Regional District, she's no stranger to Victoria. Koning is a graduate of the University of Victoria with a Bachelors of Social Work and a Masters in Public Administration.

“We're very excited to have Helen as our CAO,” said Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen. “She will offer a fresh energy and new perspective to the role, and she's a good fit for Oak Bay. That doesn't mean it was an easy choice – there were a lot of good candidates, but we're really looking forward to her joining us.”

Oak Bay has had a CAO in place since 1906, who is responsible for administrative management and is one of the highest ranking members of the district. Previous to commencing her local government career in 2001, Koning held various positions with the Port Alberni Home Support Association and positions with the Provincial Ministry of Health and the Central Vancouver Island Health Region. She also holds a Senior Certificate in Local Government Statutory Administration from the Provincial Board of Examiners.