Two new hires at the Town of Vermilion

The Town of Vermilion welcomed Kevin Lucas as their new Community Services Director on March 16, and Brian Leibel as their new Director of Finance and Administration on June 1.

As for community services, all rec centres were closed on March 15, which led to an interesting entry for Lucas the next day.

“Kevin [Lucas] has been at the forefront of our response to COVID-19, as the public health requirements came into force the very week he started in his role,” said CAO George Rogers in a written statement.

“More importantly, he will manage and strengthen the relationships with our many community user groups.”

Rogers said that Lucas will be looking after parks and recreation, as well as FCSS, and the Community Peace Officer Program.

Going forward, Lucas recognized the community’s need for a new ice plant as one of the major projects, and has just met with the fundraising committee.

He also aims to grow the number of events going through the Vermilion Regional Centre, and acknowledged similar challenges to other communities as far as maintaining the current infrastructure.

He said that for example, when caring for ball diamonds it may take a lot of work as trees mature, so that they can showcase the community in such a light that so when guests leave, they want to come back for a visit.

“Being involved with community services is a feel-good position when we are doing it correctly. The landscape here is fantastic; I really like the change that I’ve made by coming to Vermilion,” said Lucas who was previously in the same role with the City of Wetaskiwin.

Kevin Lucas, Director of Community Services for the Town of Vermilion.

New director of finance

Coming from Camrose, Brian Leibel is a Chartered Professional Accountant and will bring his finance and administration experience from his work at the Bethany Care Group as well as the City of Medicine Hat.

“I believe that a capable professional with a young family is exactly what our town needs to build on for a very exciting future,” said George Rogers, Town of Vermilion CAO in a written statement.

Liebel said he already enjoys working with the team at the Town Office and council.

“I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect of working in finance and have a passion for numbers,” said Leibel.

“I enjoy what I do and making sure that the taxpayers’ funds are used in the most efficient way possible. We do extensive ongoing professional development, and I will be continuing that in this role.”

He also looks forward to living and working and in the community and has been enjoying hiking at the Vermilion Provincial Park.