HAIL TO THE CHIEF
Former Sydney alderman takes reins as CAO of Richmond County
Kent MacIntyre new CAO for Richmond County.
It’s been a welcome homecoming for Kent MacIntyre. The native of Sydney has spent much of the past two decades leading organizations in other locations throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, but in January he returned to Cape Breton as the new chief administrative officer for the Municipality of Richmond County.
It’s a big shift from his last role with a municipal government — he is a former alderman and acting mayor for the city of Sydney.
“I’m fitting in quite nicely, it’s been wonderful, actually. It’s great to be back on the island. It’s wonderful,” he said.
“They wanted someone who had a mix of senior management, business experience and understood the political environment.”
Richmond County has had its fair share of difficulties over the past couple of years, with a spending scandal and the eventual resignation of former CAO Warren Olsen. That did not discourage MacIntyre from putting his name forward for the position.
“I thought it was an absolutely wonderful challenge. I know about the speed bumps that the county had gone through in the last number of months and well, I think I can make a contribution to help them move forward.”
In his professional career, MacIntyre has worked for the Cape Breton Development Corp., was CEO of Seagull Pewter and Novapet Inc. and most recently was general manager of Saint John Development Corporation.
He has an MBA from the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University and has served as a part-time instructor with that university’s professional and executive development program.
MacIntyre said he believes his mix of private sector experience and his understanding of government processes as well as the political side played a role in his selection as CAO.
Since he’s been working for Richmond County, MacIntyre said he’s been impressed with municipal staff and what he described as its progressive council.
“I’m quite pleased with the team that is here and the outlook for the future, the best days are ahead of us in Richmond County,” he said.
The county is experiencing the challenges common to all of Cape Breton — diminishing population and an aging demographic. Richmond County is a relatively small municipality but has had a history of launching some innovative programs, such as investing in physician recruitment and being the first municipality in Nova Scotia to mandate the use of clear garbage bags. It also has the distinction of having among the lowest property tax rates in the province.
“We’re all focused on economic development, how can we move our regions forward, how can we work as a team trying to bring business and even population to Cape Breton,” MacIntyre said.
He acknowledged the importance of working with partners such as the Cape Breton Partnership, the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Business Inc.
“I think as the year unfolds people will start to see that we actually are working behind the scenes on a couple of interesting initiatives,” MacIntyre said.
The management team has been busy working on the upcoming budget and staff is preparing to go into budget sessions with council next week, with the hopes of having a budget in place by the end of April.
It’s hoped the municipality will be able to put together a strong capital plan over the next few years to enhance infrastructure and make it a more attractive place to live, MacIntyre noted. Richmond County is also unique for being home to both heavy and light industrial parks.