The Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) announced at its March 24 Regular Meeting of the Board, that Dan McNeill will be the new Chief Administrative Officer as of May 2, 2011.With Sten Lif’s impending retirement, McNeill brings a background of public service of 25 years including his current position as Treasurer of the Municipalities of Sioux Narrows and Nestor Falls.With a background as Chief Operations Officer for Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, General Manager of the former Crescive Corporation, McNeill feels that with his knowledge of the public sector he has a lot to offer KDSB.“In discussions with the board members and the Chair, Phil Vinet, and the departing CAO, they have been undertaking some really good work, over the last couple years specifically since passing and adopting their strategic plan.  They have been moving along the goals outlined in that document and it will be essentially more of the same in regards to when I come on board,” says McNeill. “I’ll sit down with the senior staff and the new board of directors and I’ll get some direction and feeling from them as I come on board.”With Lif being with the board since its inception in 1998, McNeill is aware of the challenges and responsibilities that are encompassed in the new position. “Initially the exercise was a download from the province, and a regionalization of services.  Bringing it together in an area the size of this service board involving that many municipalities is an extremely challenging exercise.  I understand there are some huge shoes to fill,” said McNeill.KDSB Chair, Phil Vinet, says “We welcome Dan to KDSB.  He brings a wealth of public sector service and knowledge to the board and we look forward to his leadership.  On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank the Board’s first CAO, Sten Lif, for all of his significant contributions to the KDSB since its inception in 1998.”By Ally Dunham