Fort Nelson, BC — January 14, 2026 Chief Administrative Officer Scott Barry has informed Council of his intention to retire effective October of 2026,
following 17 years of dedicated service to the organization.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) reports to the Mayor and Council and is responsible for providing strategic
advice, attending meetings, and overseeing day-to-day operations while executing Council’s direction and
strategic priorities.
Since joining the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in 2009, Scott Barry has played a pivotal role in
advancing organizational priorities. First starting in the role of Chief Building Inspector and then quickly
progressing to Director of Public Works, Scott began in the role of Chief Administrative Officer in 2017.
His leadership includes directing complex emergency responses—most notably the community-wide wildfire
evacuation in 2024 involving the town centre and Emergency Operations Centre—guiding the organization
through the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and championing an award-winning asset management program. He
has also led the organization through multiple periods of change, built and nurtured a creative and empowered
leadership team, and ensured operational continuity during times of crisis. Through these efforts, Scott has
strengthened operations, governance, financial stewardship, and community services, ensuring residents and
staff remained safe, supported, and continuously served.
“I am both saddened and excited to comment on and announce Scott’s retirement. While I am sad to see the
municipality lose such a valued employee, Scott has built a strong organization in his tenure with the NRRM. His
vision, knowledge and experience have led the staff and our community through some difficult times and still has
created a plan to take the community into the future. I am excited for that plan. Scott and the management team
have been preparing for the retirements in senior management for some time now. I am excited to be part of the
new wave of managers coming up through the ranks. Their enthusiasm for our community has me confident that
the organization will maintain its strong focus on community safety, development and cost effective services.
Thank you Scott for your years of service and dedication to the community and region.” - Mayor Rob Fraser.
Council has begun planning a smooth, orderly leadership transition to ensure continuity of municipal services.
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality thanks Scott Barry for his 17 years of dedicated service and lasting
contributions to the organization and the community. We wish Scott and his family every happiness in retirement.
-NRRM
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