ATHABASCA — There will be new face at the Athabasca County administration building soon.
In a Feb. 28 media release, reeve Brian Hall announced that following an exhaustive search for a new county manager, Rod Risling has accepted an offer to become the new chief administrative officer (CAO) and will take over from interim CAO Dawn Phillips April 25.
“Council engaged in the CAO recruitment to secure an individual who will put into action council’s desire to refocus attention to quality service, investment attraction, and greater collaboration and engagement with residents and regional stakeholders,” he said. “We were pleased with the quality of applicants and our decision was not easy.”
Hall added he and the rest of council acknowledged the support Phillips provided to them during the recruitment process and as the interim CAO after Ryan Maier hastily left the position June 24, 2021.
“I would like to thank Ms. Phillips for accepting the interim CAO role during this time of transition,” he said. “Her leadership and commitment are greatly appreciated.”
Shortly after the October elections, Athabasca County's nine new council members made the decision Nov. 9, 2021, to contract Human Edge Talent Partners for $17,500 plus GST to help with the search.
“I am pleased that Rod has accepted the offer to be our new CAO,” said Hall. “My fellow councillors and I took great care to find an individual with the right qualifications and character to fulfill this key role. In our vetting and interview phases, it was evident that Rod’s background and experience will be an asset to the county. I look forward to working with him.”
The release noted Risling has considerable experience in municipal administration and “particular expertise in the areas of municipal assessment and taxation.”
Risling was named CAO for the Town of High Prairie Aug. 14, 2020, and in 2005, he was appointed by the Assessment Services Branch of Municipal Affairs of Alberta to assist the City of Red Deer with initiatives related to industrial property assessment.
“In addition to Rod’s seasoned leadership experience, he has been an active participant over the years on many provincially led review and revision committees relevant to the Alberta Municipal Government Act,” said Hall.
Deputy reeve Ashtin Anderson echoed Hall’s sentiment in the press release.
“With his breadth of municipal expertise, we feel Rod is ideally suited to lead the county,” she said. “We are confident in his ability to mentor the leadership team, manage our present challenges, and chart a course for success.”
Risling will officially take over from Phillips April 25 and she will return full time to her role as director of Agriculture and Community Services.
“I look forward to the opportunity to work with the council and the quality team in Athabasca County. Not only do I appreciate the rural and recreational amenities of the region, but I feel strongly there exists considerable potential and opportunities for the county and its partners,” Risling said in the release.
