Comox has hired an Interim Chief Administrative Officer.
He is Al Kenning, who will assume the role for the next six months.
Kenning’s hiring comes after the departure of former CAO Richard Kanigan last week.
His duties include staff leadership in the town until a permanent replacement for the former CAO is hired by Council.
The town says that Kenning will work with staff to ensure that work continues on Council’s community priorities, “and that the Town continues to provide quality services for its residents.”
Kenning has extensive experience as a professional public servant.
He served with the City of Nanaimo for 26 years as city manager, general manager of corporate services and director of finance.
In his career Kenning also worked in several positions for the BC Lottery Corporation, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the Office of the Auditor General of BC.
Kenning retired in 2013.
Mayor Russ Arnott said the town is fortunate to have Kenning join come on board.
“He’s going to help us with our fall strategic planning, bring some new ideas and move forward with that, and we will use him to start the process of searching for a new permanent CAO, that will probably happen over the winter,” he said.
Arnott said Kenning’s experience is very valuable during this transition period.
“He’s got a very diverse background in financial management, CAO duties, and being with a larger community. He’s probably come across a lot of the issues that we’re starting to deal with and I think it’ll be great to have him at the helm for even this short period of time.”
Kenning called Comox is a wonderful community.
“I am looking forward to working with council, staff and the community, to continue to advance community projects and priorities as identified by council,” he added.
