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Naramata director elected RDOS chair

There’s a new face heading the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen,

There’s a new face heading the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen,

Karla Kozakevich, director for Area E (Naramata), was elected as chair of the RDOS during the inaugural meeting in Penticton.

“Well, the past couple years I have been nominated by the other directors to be chair or vice-chair but I’ve declined… I’ve always wanted to but the timing wasn’t right but it is now. I have the time and the energy to commit to the role,” she said.

Kozakevich was uncontested in her run for chair. This is her first time serving as chair.

Kozakevich replaces Mark Pendergraft as chair effective immediately.

“Chair Pendergraft did a great job. He made sure everyone’s voices were heard and I plan to carry on in the same format.”

Serving as vice-chair for the year will be Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer. Bauer previously served as vice-chair in 2013.

Bauer said his role is to support the chair in any way needed.

“I have a strong belief in the Regional District and the collaboration of services which make it sustainable and affordable tolive in a beautiful place like this,” he said.

On the horizon for the RDOS is setting the 2017 budget. Budget meetings are set to start soon and directors have until the end of March to finalize the region’s financials.

Director Michael Brydon, Area F, (West Bench), was elected as chair to the Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital Districtf or a third year and Judy Sentes, director representing Penticton was elected vice-chair for a fourth year.