After months of searching. Kneehill County has found the person who will help shape the county in the years to come.
The County recently announced the appointment of Al Hoggan as the new CAO for Kneehill.
“We’re really happy with him. I think Al’s going to bring a lot of excitement, enthusiasm, and a new perspective. He has a wealth of experience at the senior management level and operational level of municipalities. Overall, he’s going to be a real asset to the County,” said Reeve Bob Long.
Hoggan joins Kneehill County after serving as the Senior Manager of Transportation Services for the County of Lac La Biche.
Al Hoggan...
New CAO of Kneehill County
On November 22, 2012, Kevin Miner, who had been CAO of Kneehill for seven years submitted his resignation. Since then, Laurie Watt has filled the position as acting CAO.
“We were in a good position. Our previous CAO left us in a good position financially and planning wise. We were at the end of some major projects, so the timing was perfect for a change of CAO,” said Long. “There was no rush for us to make a decision. We had time to make sure we found the proper person.”
Hoggan will have a few challenges facing him when he arrives.
“We’re going to do a study on the long-term direction we want to take with our roads. Our gravel program, road building, and maintenance,” said Long. “There has been a termination of bridge funding to municipalities. We have one of the highest densities of bridges in the province. We have 214 in the county. The provincial government has eliminated all funding to maintain those bridges, so we have to design our road programs with our bridges in mind.”
Other issues include a possible update of the County’s Land Use Bylaw and the proposed Badlands Motorsports.
“It’s being addressed by Council, but his guidance and recommendations will be in there,” said Long.
Hoggan's first day as CAO of Kneehill County will be July 8.