Darrell Reid appointed chief commissioner

Mayor Rod Frank, on behalf of Strathcona County Council, is pleased to announce the appointment of Darrell Reid to the position of Chief Commissioner. His position is effective July 13, 2020.

As Chief Commissioner, Mr. Reid will lead the development, implementation and administration of all policies and programs established and approved by Council; guide and advise Council on legislation and municipal operations; and provide information to support Council in making informed decisions.

Working along Council and staff, Mr. Reid will also provide vision, leadership and direction to the organization based on the strategic plan and approved policies.

“We look forward to welcoming Darrell back to Strathcona County’s municipal family,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “His leadership experience, both nationally and internationally, will further enhance our approach to building strong relationships with our partners, staff and most importantly, our community.

As a result of COVID-19, the collapse in global oil prices, and related economic challenges, Strathcona County faces a pivotal moment in its history. Now, more than ever, we must strive towards our vision for the future through innovation, efficiency, fiscal prudence and priority-based budgeting to ensure that our community remains a desirable place to live, work and do business.

Darrell’s experience in leading complex organizations and his strong understanding of municipal operations, track record of success, and longstanding roots in our community will be vital to our future success as we build upon the concept of citizen-centred culture at County Hall.

I would also like to thank Mr. Kevin Glebe for serving as the interim Chief Commissioner during the recruitment process. His dedication to the municipality is appreciated, and I’m sure he will welcome the opportunity to rejoin his team as the Associate Commissioner for the Infrastructure Planning Services Division.”  

Mr. Reid returns to Strathcona County from his most recent posting as Fire Chief for Vancouver Fire Rescue Services and lead for Vancouver’s COVID-19 Task Force. His background includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Ontario, Deputy Fire Chief in Toronto as well as serving as Strathcona County’s fire chief for nearly six years. Mr. Reid was also the co-chair for the World Health Organization/Griffith University Project to build emergency response, disaster management and public health capacity in Mongolia (2019). Mr. Reid has an MBA from the University of Alberta and has also completed graduate studies from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

“I am excited to return to serve the community I have lived and worked in for most of my adult life, and the place my family considers home," says Darrell Reid.

“Strathcona County faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges as we navigate the impacts of issues and events including COVID-19 and changes to the oil industry. I look forward to working with community stakeholders and our committed team of staff towards a successful and sustainable restart. My focus will be on Strathcona County achieving its vision of ‘Becoming Canada's most livable community’, and for us to be recognized as one of the best municipalities in Canada and Alberta in which to work, do business and play."

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595