Art Kaehn, director for Hixon-Woodpecker, was elected chairman of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George at the district board's inaugural meeting on Thursday.
Prince George city councillor Dave Wilbur was elected vice-chairperson of the board.
"This is going to be an exciting year," Kaehn said. "I think this year is going to be a lot of relationship building."
Keeping a tight rein on spending will continue to be a priority for the board, he added.
"We wont' be doing a full-blown core review [like the City of Prince George] - but we will be keeping those costs in check," Kaehn said. "We're a pretty conservative group around the table."
Kaehn was the only candidate for chairperson nominated by members of the board, while Wilbur defeated Chilako River-Nechako director Lara Beckett for the vice-chair position through a board of directors vote.
Members of the board of directors elect their chairperson and vice-chairperson each December.
Kaehn has served as the board's chairperson since 2006. He thanked director Terry Burgess, who served as the board's vice-chairperson for the past three years.
"I've always been surrounded by good council," Kaehn said. "Three years ago Terry swore to keep my feet to the fire - and he did, I threw away many pairs of shoes. He took on some very challenging issues, which I look forward to vice-chair Wilbur taking on."
Wilbur has served the last three years on the board of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, but has not served as chairperson or vice-chairperson in the past.
"I think the same things that are relevant to the city are relevant to the district," Wilbur said.
However, he said, it is important to recognize that each municipality and rural area in the district is unique. Wilbur said he plans to listen carefully to what the directors from each region have to say about regional priorities.
Also swearing their oaths of office were Prince George Mayor Shari Green and councillors Murry Krause and Cameron Stolz, Mackenzie Mayor Stephanie Killam, McBride Mayor Mike Frazer, Valemount Mayor Andru McCracken and rural directors Warren Wilson, Kevin Dunphy, Burgess, Beckett, Ken Starchuck and Bill Empey.
