The Líl̓wat Nation recently appointed a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Rolf de Bruin.
The appointment was announced in a Nov. 5 press release, and de Bruin comes to the role with experience working with the Nation as director of finance ahead of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. He is also a founding partner of Fort Berens Estate Winery.
The Lil'wat’s previous CAO, Kerry Mehaffey, resigned this summer after working for 16 years in various roles with the Nation.
“I am very pleased to announce that Rolf de Bruin has joined Líl̓wat Nation as our CAO,” said Skalúlmecw Political Chief Dean Nelson in the release.
“His leadership and financial expertise, combined with his previous experience working for the Nation, made him the right choice for this crucial leadership role as we work towards fulfilling the goals and objectives of Líl̓wat 2030, our new five-year strategic plan.”
De Bruin has 25 years of experience in leadership roles, multiple finance degrees, and a strong understanding of “business strategy and transformation.”
“I am looking forward to serving the Líl̓wat community at a time when there are so many dynamic changes underway, from expanding the recognition [of] Líl̓wat Nation’s jurisdiction in areas such as education and child and family services, to enhancing the use and fluency of Ucwalmícwts and strengthening the Nation’s health, healing and wellness services,” said de Bruin in the release.
The new CAO highlighted the Líl̓wat Nation’s growth since his departure, with 350 employees and an operating budget of $60 million.
Some of the Nation’s operations include education for primary, secondary and post-secondary school, a health and healing centre, child and family services, daycare, a transition home, public infrastructure and housing.
Nelson said de Bruin is coming to the role at a critical point in the Nation’s trajectory.
“We are gaining jurisdiction in essential areas such as the education of our children, child and family services, and our lands. As a Nation we are entering a time of positive development that will require sustained effort and support,” said Nelson. “Working with someone who understands the organizational demands we are facing will help us succeed in reaching our goals.”
The new CAO lives in Lillooet with his family, and he’s also a councillor for the District of Lillooet. Other big seats he’s filled include sitting on boards and committees for Cayoosh Creek Development Board, Agricultural Advisory Committee of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District's Area B, Lillooet Agriculture and Food Society, Lillooet and District Chamber of Commerce, and Tourism Lillooet.
