Morinville now has a new CAO — one the town’s mayor hopes will help supercharge business development.
Morinville council voted unanimously at a special council meeting Monday, Aug. 29, to hire Naleen Narayan as its new chief administrative officer, effective Sept. 28, 2022.
Morinville has been without a permanent top executive since Feb. 25 after Stephane Labonne stepped down to pursue a job in Maple Ridge, B.C. Morinville general manager of administrative services Michelle Hay stepped in as interim CAO as council sought a permanent replacement.
Council reviewed about 16 candidates in the last seven months and gave Narayan a job offer about three weeks ago, said Morinville Mayor Simon Boersma. Monday’s vote made the hiring official.
In a press release, Narayan is said to have a diverse background in executive leadership in the public and private sector, having spent about 20 years in First Nations municipal management and economic development. He has bachelor's degrees in education and science from the University of Alberta. He was most recently the CEO of Kwikwetlem First Nations Enterprises Ltd., which manages the business ventures of the Kwikwetlem First Nation in B.C.
“We need to ensure our business community continues to grow,” Boersma said, and Narayan has the experience needed to make that happen.
“We feel Mr. Narayan will do an amazing job as CAO.”
Boersma said Narayan’s first big job in Morinville will be the town’s 2023 budget, followed by research into what the town needs to grow its businesses.
In a press release, Narayan said he is excited and humbled by council’s decision, and looks forward to establishing a rapport with residents and the region.
“I am passionate and proud to consider myself an Albertan for over 50 years,” he said, and this job will let him give back to the province that has given his family so much.
“It is obvious that council is passionate about Morinville’s future, and I hope to be an integral part of the vision.”
In a press release, town administration said Hay will continue to serve as the town’s interim CAO until Narayan arrives, after which she will return to her old job.
