The CRD’s Electoral Areas – regions that aren't incorporated as municipalities – are under new management.
Stephen Henderson has been named general manager of the new Electoral Area Services department, which oversees Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. He begins his role on July 7.
"I am honoured to lead the new Electoral Area Services department. Our goal is to provide strategic connection between the three electoral areas for coordinated and optimized service delivery,” said Stephen Henderson.
“I am committed to improving teamwork, productivity, and efficiency, ensuring that the CRD delivers exceptional service to our residents.”
Henderson was selected for the role following a comprehensive search initiated by the CRD’s chief administrative officer and board in January 2025.
"Stephen Henderson’s leadership will guide the establishment of the new EAS department, which will provide more tailored service delivery to the residents of Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands,” said Paul Brent, chair of the CRD Electoral Areas Committee.
“By delivering consistent oversight, we are ensuring that the CRD remains responsive to the needs of our communities while maintaining their local identity."
Henderson brings 11 years of experience with the CRD, working closely with elected officials, the CRD board, various committees and commissions and senior leadership.
In his most recent role as senior manager of Real Estate and Southern Gulf Islands Administration, he provided “strategic leadership and played a pivotal role in administering the Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission during a period of transition,” according to a CRD news release.
“The creation of the Electoral Area Services department aims to address the current challenges of varying resource levels and inconsistent service delivery, providing a more equitable approach to meeting community needs," said Ted Robbins, CRD chief administrative officer.
“I am thrilled to add Stephen Henderson’s experience and expertise to the executive leadership team to help us enhance governance and decision-making processes to better meet the unique needs of the residents in the Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands.”
The CRD is responsible for a range of services depending on the community needs of each electoral area. The new department has been designed to streamline operations by centralizing administrative and operational functions, ensuring efficient allocation of resources, in which the new general manager will play a pivotal role.
