FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 27, 2024)
Cindy Filipenko
For Líl̓wat Nation Communications
Mobile: 778-903-4521
Email: cindyfilipenko@gmail.com
Líl̓wat Nation’s Chief Administrative Officer Announces Resignation
Recruitment process underway to replace long serving leader
(Líl̓wat Nation, Mount Currie, BC) — After 16 years with the Líl̓wat Nation and its related entities, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kerry Mehaffey has issued his notice of resignation. The resignation will come into effect on Friday, August 23, 2024. In a note sent to all staff earlier this month, Mehaffey described his decision to leave the position as “bittersweet” and driven by the desire to move to Vancouver Island to be closer to family.
“It is with heavy hearts that we accept Kerry’s resignation,” said Skalúlmecw Chief Dean Nelson, on behalf of Líl̓wat’s Chiefs and Council. “In his time here, Kerry has been a valuable leader who has made many significant contributions to both our organization and our community, from adding land to reserve, returning the businesses to profitability, establishing partnerships, advancing reconciliation, and restructuring the Nation’s departments to create more capacity and address the needs of the growing community. He will be greatly missed.”
Mehaffey joined Líl̓wat Nation in 2007 as Lands Manager. He took the role of Director of Business and Economic Development in 2011 and CEO of Líl̓wat Management Services in 2016. His work with the Líl̓wat Business Group resulted in greater profitability of the Nation’s businesses, a commitment to best practices, and new partnership opportunities that supported the re-establishment of Líl̓wat’s presence throughout its territory. He also served as Acting CAO during two separate instances. In 2020, Mehaffey accepted the CAO role on a permanent basis, where he led the organization through the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic and forward.
“Serving the Líl̓wat Nation has been an honour and privilege,” said Mehaffey. “It has been an amazing opportunity to build relationships within the community and the Sea to Sky Corridor, make positive contributions to a growing community, and supporting the long-term vision of the Nation.”
In 2023, Chiefs and Council gave Mehaffey the Ucwalmícwts name áts’xsas, which fittingly translates to “watcher or one who watches over.”
A recruitment process to find a new CAO is being undertaken by Chiefs and Council.
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