The Bowen Island Municipality is again in the market for a Chief Administrative Officer as current CAO Brent Mahood is leaving at the end of February. Mahood said he's learned a great deal on the job and that it has inspired him to extend his work life.
He arrived in February of 2010 as the director of engineering and operations. When Hendrik Slegtenhorst left the position as CAO in the early summer, Mahood was interim CAO; not long afterwards, the interim was dropped.
The 62-year-old came to BIM after 25 years with the city of North Vancouver, his last position there was utilities and fleet superintendent, working in water management, solid waste, operating programs and waste collection and disposal. His roles did not include much administrative work and he said he's grateful to have been able to learn new skills here.
A testament to his success at BIM can be found in remarks from those he worked with. Former councillor Nerys Poole told the Undercurrent that Mahood was a wonderful person to work alongside and was both personable and very good at the job.
Bob Turner, mayor for most of the time Mahood was here, said he will be missed. "Brent brought integrity, hard work, care, and a great sense of fun to the job," Turner said. "When he took over as CAO, staff morale lifted immediately. He is a consummate team-player, always looking to help. We'll all miss him."
The departing CAO said that working in a community with a smaller tax base has challenges but that staff and council do a great job of serving Bowen. He's had two months with mayor Jack Adelaar and the new council and believes they will do their best for the island.
The reason for his departure? Not one single reason, he said. He had come expecting to retire after a few more years of work but his time here has him considering staying in the work force longer.
Mahood, who had been to Bowen before working here but knew no one at the municipality previously, found commuting via ferry to be a drawback at times. His ability to arrive quickly to work and move on to the rest of his day when work is done was something he missed.
The municipality issued the following statement: "He has brought valuable insight, experience and a strong work ethic to his roles within the municipality. He will be genuinely missed by council and staff alike. We wish Brent the best with his future endeavours."
Mahood said he could not yet say where his career is taking him next but that he is happy to have experienced both the island and his role here. Kathy Lalonde, corporate officer and municipal clerk, will take on the role of interim CAO.
