Friends, colleagues bid fond farewell to retiring Kentville CAO

By Kirk Starratt

kstarratt@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

It was Bill Boyd night in Kentville Wednesday evening as family members, friends and colleagues were in attendance at the end of the monthly town council session to wish a fond farewell to the retiring CAO.

The public comment session at the end of the meeting was devoted to Boyd. Town department heads, staff members, councillors, colleagues and friends took the microphone to recall the positive impact Boyd made on their careers and the remarkable contribution he has made to the town over his 33-year career: 19 as Recreation Director and Parks and Recreation Director and 14 years as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). He was Kentville’s first recreation director.

Among the presenters were Jennifer Weisner, Kings CED development officer, who presented Boyd with a gift on behalf of her agency, and Kentville Fire Chief Shawn Ripley, who gave Boyd with a plaque of appreciation on behalf of his department.

The town had presented Boyd earlier with a new set of golf clubs as a retirement gift.

However, as was indicated during the council session, Boyd could be back in the council chambers in the near future as he is considering throwing his hat in the ring for the 2008 municipal election. “As a councillor,” Mayor Dave Corkum was quick to point out.

‘Had a great ride’: Boyd

“I feel humbled listening to the wonderful comments,” Boyd said. “It makes me a little emotional. I haven’t been to a roast before where it was all compliments.”

Boyd said he has had a great ride with a great town and his colleagues have been very supportive.

Earlier in the meeting, council ratified the hiring of Keith Robichaud, the current CAO of Annapolis County, as the new CAO effective Sept. 8. Boyd will continue to serve in the capacity of CAO until then. The town received about 50 applications for the job and a selection committee recommended Robichaud.

“Everyone has their own time,” Boyd said, pointing out that Robichaud would be a great addition to the town. “I had my time; now it’s Keith’s.”

Robichaud thanked council for this wonderful opportunity and said he is very excited to be coming to Kentville and following in the footsteps of a great friend he admires.

“It’s a great town with great attributes and it’s an exciting change,” Robichaud said.

Following the council session, there was a reception for Boyd at town hall attended by dozens of well-wishers.