A new public administrator has been named for the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority.
It is Brian Willows, a retired chief operating officer of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.
"I guess I'm of the belief that just because you're retired, it doesn't mean you have to stop working," he said. "You spend a lifetime gaining experience and gaining skills. It just seems appropriate to sort of give back to the community at this point."
Willows replaces Mike Maher, who submitted his resignation late last month after serving as public administrator since 2009.
"It's just life is busy," said Maher, noting his wife recently took a full-time job and they have three children. "Time is time and you only have so much."
The now former public administrator said he enjoyed his time in the role.
"It's been a really rewarding experience," he noted.
The change was announced on Oct. 5 by Health and Social Services Minister Glen Abernethy during the official opening of a new addition to Woodland Manor.
Abernethy thanked Maher for his contributions, noting he played an "incredibly important" role in bringing a new hospital to Hay River and seeing the construction of the addition to Woodland Manor.
"Mike has been here for a really long time," said Abernethy. "He's done some really important things."
The minister noted he consulted with some residents of Hay River about who should replace Maher.
"I talked to a number of people in the community about who would be a good, solid person to come in and take over the reins," he said. "Brian is a long-time Northerner. He's got tons of experience in leadership. He understands systems. And he's going to bring a new passion to the health authority here."
Willows' appointment became effective on Oct. 5.
His new role has not affected his plans to run for town council in the municipal elections set for Oct. 15.
Abernethy said the issue did come up with Willows.
"He did ask whether we thought it was a conflict," said the minister. "Historically in the Northwest Territories, we've had other people on different councils who have been on our regional wellness councils and our boards. We don't believe there's a conflict."
If Willows is elected to town council, Abernethy said he could follow the proper protocols and recuse himself from discussions involving health care.
"But otherwise, we don't see conflict, at all," said the minister.
Up to the end of 2016, Maher served on town council while he was the public administrator.