District of Elkford hires new CAO

Pictured here are past and present directors for the District of Elkford: (bottom row, L to R) Curtis Helgesen, who is the new chief administrative officer; Bernie Van Tighem, director of fire rescue and emergency services; Duncan McDonald, superintendent, public works; (top row, L to R) Garity Stanley, director of leisure services; Corien Speaker, past chief administrative officer; and Randa McDonald, communications co-ordinator. —

Kirsten Armleder photo

Curtis Helgesen is the new chief administrative officer (CAO) for the District of Elkford. Helgesen has been with the district since 2006, and he was the director of financial services and deputy chief administrative office before he became the new CAO on June 29, 2012.

Helgesen possesses more than 17 years of experience in the public and private sectors. According to Dean McKerracher, who is the mayor of the District of Elkford, Helgesen acted as CAO when the district’s previous CAO, Corien Speaker, was away.

“He is not new to the position,” said McKerracher. “He works hard for us and we are very confident he will fill the bill. Council is confident he will be able to do the job very well.”

Speaker announced her resignation as the district’s CAO on June 6, 2012. She has been with the district since 2004. Speaker is leaving Elkford and moving to Squamish, where she will begin her new position as CAO with the District of Squamish.