Peter de Verteuil named City of Duncan's new boss
Peter de Verteuil is moving from running Duncan's finances to helming the city.
Effective April 27, de Verteuil, the city's current financial director, takes the reins from retiring chief administrative officer Tom Ireland, council announced Wednesday.
Open, transparent government — and streamlined development processes — are de Verteuil's goals as he meets before April 27 with council to review priorities in its Strategic Plan.
"It is important to keep the plan fresh; it is a living document.
"Having worked with Council closely, I know open and transparent government, and communication, is a priority. Something I will also be discussing is continuing our efforts in the area of efficiency and openness in the development approvals process," noted de Verteuil.
He'll earn $120,000 annually. Ireland currently makes $133,000 a year, de Verteuil said.
Mayor Phil Kent's release says "council conducted a thorough competition for the CAO position, with many applicants, and felt Mr. de Verteuil was the best choice to lead the city."
Some 50 applicants surfaced for Ireland's job, said Kent.
That number was whittled to 10, then shortlisted to four before council gave de Verteuil the nod, Kent explained.
Competition for a new finance director starts Friday.
Certified general accountant de Verteuil strived toward the CAO post since starting with the city in late 2004 as finance director, Kent notes.
"Prior to this, Mr. de Verteuil spent three years at the Town of Lake Cowichan, and the prior two years at the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
"These local government years, coupled with his many years in public practice, have given him a varied background and a strong ability to interact well with residents, the business and development community, co-workers, staff, and the media," Kent says of team player de Verteuil.
"He has the respect of all staff for his forthright and open style of leadership."
As finance director, de Verteuil also held positions of deputy CAO, and deputy-director of corporate services.
"I am truly thankful council has put its trust in me, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of leading the city, and working closely with council to achieve its goals and vision."
Ireland served the city for the past seven years. He retires on April 26.
That's also when Duncan's long-serving corporate services director, Lynn Ketch, retires.
She's been replaced by Karen Burley who earns $90,000 a year, de Verteuil said.
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