Natalya Melnychuk and Kevin Flynn swapped seats at the Columbia Shuswap Regional District board meeting on Nov. 21.
Former board chair Flynn nominated Electoral Area G director and vice-chair Natalya Melnychuk, who accepted the position.
In her inaugural speech, Melnychuk, who was first elected to the board in the new Area G in 2022, expressed gratitude for the nomination, for the trust directors have placed in her, and the chance to prove her leadership.
She noted that, over the past few weeks, she had spoken with all the directors, heard many wants and needs and will focus on regular communication.
“I’m always open to conversation and to looking at ways to do things differently,” she said, pointing out that she hopes the boardroom will be a positive space. “I’m excited and proud to continue to work together for that positive development.”
For the purpose of succession, Area D Director Dean Trumbley nominated Flynn for the position of vice-chair. Area C Director Marty Gibbons nominated Area E director Rhona Martin for the position, which led to an election.
The first vote resulted in a tie, necessitating a second round of voting. Flynn won the round, avoiding a win by coin toss if the second vote had also resulted in a tie.
In his pre-election speech, Flynn pointed to the value of having the chair and vice-chair positions filled by a municipal and an electoral area director.
Extolling the virtues of a shared leadership approach during “challenging times,” Flynn told directors he is semi-retired, lives near the CSRD office and can easily stand in for Melnychuk if needed.
In her bid for the vice-chair position, Martin expressed her support for Melnychuk and pointed out she has many years of experience during sometimes turbulent times. She said she would use her experience to move the board forward, “perhaps on a different path.”
