FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2024
Líl̓wat Nation hires new Chief Administrative Officer
(Líl̓wat Nation, BC – November 5, 2024) The Chiefs and Council of Líl̓wat Nation have appointed Rolf de Bruin as its new Chief Administrative Officer. He started the role effective October 21, 2024.
“I am very pleased to announce that Rolf de Bruin has joined Líl̓wat Nation as our CAO,” said Skalúlmecw Political Chief Dean Nelson. “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 previously worked for the Nation as its Director of Finance in the lead up to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games before turning his attention full-time to the Lillooet winery he co-founded in 2009. A co-owner of the award-winning winery, he also served as its President and CEO until May 2024.
“I am looking forward to serving the Líl̓wat community at a time when there are so many dynamic changes underway, from expanding the recognition 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.
The new CAO holds multiple degrees in finance and has 25 years of experience in leadership roles at organizations including with Fort Berens and Capgemini Consulting, an international company specializing in business strategy and transformation.
“Líl̓wat Nation has undergone an incredible amount of growth since I last worked here, particularly over the past few years. The Nation employees a staff of approximately 350 people and operates a budget of $60 million to deliver essential services to this fast-growing community,” de Bruin pointed out.
Líl̓wat Nation operates a primary, secondary, and post-secondary school, a post-secondary education facility, a community health and healing centre, a child and family services centre, transition home and a AHSOR daycare centre. As well, the Nation manages public infrastructure and housing.
“Working with Chiefs and Council and staff to manage this growth and move the goals of Líl̓wat 2030 forward presents an incredible professional opportunity to engage, grow and learn.”
De Bruin is joining the Nation at a critical time in the Nation’s development.
“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 Skalúlmecw Chief Dean Nelson. “Working with someone who understands the organizational demands we are facing will help us succeed in reaching our goals.”
The Nation’s new CAO commutes from Lillooet, BC where his wife and two children live and where he is a councillor for the District of Lillooet. De Bruin previously sat on the boards and committees of Cayoosh Creek Development Board, Agricultural Advisory Committee of the SLRD Area B, Lillooet Agriculture and Food Society, Lillooet and District Chamber of Commerce, and Tourism Lillooet.
To arrange an interview with Rolf de Bruin or Skalúlmecw Political Chief Dean Nelson, please contact:
Sylvia Dan
Líl̓wat Nation Communications Team
Phone: 604-894-6115
Email: communications@lilwat.ca
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