PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Board of Directors announced today that CEO Joel McKay is leaving the Trust at the end of this year to take on the role of City Manager for the City of Quesnel.
McKay joined Northern Development in 2012 as the Director of Communications and was appointed CEO in 2016.
During his eight-year run as CEO, McKay was instrumental in the following:
1) More than doubled the Trusts assets under management to exceed $600 million
2) Introduced the State of the North Economic Report in 2018 – the first report of its kind to provide a regional economic snapshot of Northern B.C.
3) Positioned the Trust as a key public sector partner for communities and senior levels of government on important initiatives such as broadband connectivity, ground transportation, healthy communities and agriculture
4) Revitalized community economic development programs and introduced online applications with the launch of Trust 2020
5) Partnered with the Province of B.C. and First Nation representatives to work towards Indigenous representation on the Trust’s Board of Directors and Regional Advisory Committees
6) Partnered with the Province of B.C. and community groups in Atlin, B.C. to create the Atlin Community Development Initiative
As Director of Communications, McKay edited, produced and co-wrote the Small Town PR Playbook – a communications handbook for local and First Nation governments. The book was widely distributed and Northern Development won the Don Rennie Memorial Award from the Canadian Public Relations Society in 2017 for the publication.
McKay will remain with Northern Development until the end of 2024. The recruitment process for a new CEO is in place and will be announced in the coming months.
QUOTES:
Northern Development CEO Joel McKay
“It’s been an honour and a privilege to work for the Trust these past 12 years. The Trust gave me the opportunity to move to Northern B.C., put down roots and start a family. It’s been an incredible adventure. While I’m saddened to depart this organization, I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve accomplished here together. The Trust has an excellent team, Board, and regional advisors. I want to thank each one of them for their support and passion. Now, onto the next adventure.”
Northern Development Board Chair Margo Wagner
“The Board and I would like to congratulate Joel on his new position with the City of Quesnel. What Joel has done for the Trust is amazing, he has moved us to fund more programs and encouraged us to look outside the box. He built a phenomenal team and developed incredible relationships with MLA’s and local government officials across the province. Joel has earned the respect due to him, and NDIT is truly sorry to see him leave, but we wish him all the best in his future endeavors, and I am sure that many of us will cross paths with him again.”
City of Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull
“Joel brings a wealth of connected knowledge and ambition to the City of Quesnel, and on behalf of Council, I am pleased to welcome him to his new role,” said Mayor Ron Paull. “The abilities that he brings to us from Northern Development Initiative Trust will be a great asset to our community, and we look forward to working with him on projects and initiatives to help further develop our beautiful city.”
