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RDEK boss bid a fond adieu
Great work leads to a great career.
That was made abundantly clear last Friday evening (May 27) at Columbo Hall in Cranbrook when Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) staff, elected officials (current and past), friends and family of chief administrative officer (CAO) Lee-Ann Crane gathered to bid a fond adieu to her on her retirement.
Senior staff members performed hilarious skits, depicting Crane’s personality and leadership – something praised by all who spoke, from past and current directors, staff members and family members.
Crane, a life-time Cranbrook resident, rose up the ranks in the RDEK over her 37-year career, starting as a receptionist and powering to the top as CAO in 1998, replacing Wayne McNamar.
Crane was the first woman to ascend to a CAO position in the region and during her time running the regional government, became known around for the province for her wealth of knowledge and served as a mentor to many.
Her last day on the job was Friday, May 27. She is being replaced ‘in-house’ by Shawn Tomlin.
Lead image: Crane is surrounded by current and past RDEK staff members, many wearing RDEK hockey jerseys – a nod to the outgoing CAO’s passion for hockey – especially the Kooteney ICE and Calgary Flames, as well as a symbol of the team-work Crane has maintained with staff and the diverse regional board over the years.
By Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
