Town hires infrastructure expert as new top bureaucrat
Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Derek DunnEMC News - Kevin McLlwain is the town's new top bureaucrat.
McLlwain's hiring was made public on Jan. 30, and he will be in Arnprior to observe budget discussions next week, but he doesn't take over as chief executive officer (CAO) until March 12.
"It should be pretty exciting. I'm moving to Arnprior," said the 38-year-old Goderich native. "I bring a fair amount of value for money concepts. I truly believe in getting good value for the dollars being spent."
That tendency toward fiscal conservatism, which likely clinched the job for him, was born out in his previous job as CAO of Central Huron. The municipality, comprised of a town and two townships with a total population of about 7,800, built a fire hall, an impressive community centre, and hard infrastructure under McLlwain's watch.
"I'm proud of those projects," he said.
According to Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn, taxpayers got a good deal on all purchases.
"He was excellent," Ginn said. "Some of that might have had to do with it happening at the start of the downturn (in the economy). He'll get you good prices." Arnprior is likely to consider building a new town hall before the next election.
Despite the accomplishments, McLlwain was let go from the newly created position in Dec. 5 after a two-year stint.
McLlwain was promoted to it after two years as Central Huron's director of finance.
"Fair or not you do your best, and in your heart you can hold your head high," he said.
Ginn and others say most CAOs today only last a few years in the job. Arnprior's last CAO is considered to have had a good run at 10 years.
The position is a difficult one to be in, Ginn said, caught between staff demands and councillors who win elections on pinching pennies.
Still, Ginn said McLlwain was primarily an economic development officer.
"We had some conflicts here. It's a squeeze, but he worked long hours and worked hard," Ginn said. "Unfortunately it didn't work out."
While McLlwain stresses "efficiencies" first, he is careful to add that an organization is only as strong as the people who work there.
He said a positive work environment and good morale are important.
"Without the people you don't get the services," he said, noting the current labour negotiations at town hall are the most pressing challenge Arnprior faces.
"You can't give everything away. But culture matters. It's not all about dollars and cents."
He said Arnprior's "nice problem to have" is managing growth, whereas places like Goderich are losing people.
He believes in a "balanced approach" between preserving the historic feel and small-town charm and welcoming Stittsville-style neighbourhoods and boxstores.
"You can't stop progress, but not progress to the point of disrespecting your neighbours."
He explained that if a town gets a Walmart it draws customers from surrounding communities to shop at it and nearby small businesses.
If a town rejects Walmart, its residents will shop in communities with one.
On the personal side, McLlwain plays and coached hockey, golfs when he can and enjoys soccer and fishing.
He isn't married but has been in a longstanding relationship and has a 13-year-old golden retriever.
He studied at the University of Windsor, majoring in Economics and Business Administration.
After that he gained extensive experience in the private sector, managing international financial projects for Guardian Industries.
His cousin, Dave McLlwain, played for the Ottawa Senators in the early years of its second incarnation.
He even called Dave when the job came up.
"He said it was a beautiful area with a lot to offer. And he was right."
Mayor David Reid read from a press release at the Jan. 30 council meeting, saying the search committee was comprised of himself, Reeve Walter Stack, and councillors Ted Strike and Lynn Grinstead.
"What impressed myself and all committee members was Kevin's extensive experience and strong financial background," Reid read aloud.
"And he has a great skill set in terms of management abilities.
"Our committee was looking for an individual who had a strong background in municipal affairs and also had extensive business and management skills. Mr. McLlwain meets both those criteria."
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