The County of Barrhead has confirmed the resignation of its chief administrative officer, Debbie Oyarzun, effective 20 October, signalling the start of a formal process to appoint a permanent successor.
Oyarzun had served as the county's CAO since 2017, providing leadership through several terms of council. Her public service record also includes a previous role as CAO of the Town of Morinville between 2011 and 2016.
Immediate arrangements and interim leadership
At its meeting on 20 October, council moved promptly to appoint an interim chief administrative officer. Rodney Boyko was named to that role. Council described Boyko as having two decades of municipal experience, primarily in finance and corporate services, with a background that includes positions at Lac La Biche County, Clearwater County, the Town of Athabasca and most recently Lamont County.
“Council’s priorities have not changed. We remain committed to fiscal responsibility while delivering improvements that county residents voted for in the last election. Rodney’s experience gives us solid caretaking during this transition, and we are confident our professional staff will continue the business of the county without interruption.”
The county also issued a media release expressing gratitude for Oyarzun’s near‑decade of service and wishing her well. The former CAO did not respond to a request for comment on the reasons for her resignation.
Governance context and continuity
Council emphasised that day‑to‑day operations would proceed under existing staff arrangements while the recruitment of a permanent CAO is carried out. The statement from council signalled a desire to preserve fiscal discipline and continue delivering on the priorities set by voters at the last election.
Local residents should expect routine services and projects to proceed without interruption, according to council, with Boyko providing interim stewardship over administrative functions.
- Outgoing CAO: Debbie Oyarzun, CAO since 2017
- Interim CAO: Rodney Boyko, appointed 20 October
- Next steps: County to begin search for a permanent CAO
Roles and recent council business
Also held on 20 October was the County of Barrhead’s annual organisational meeting. Councillors selected their reeve and deputy reeve and confirmed committee assignments for the council year ahead. The meeting kept the existing leadership in place, with Erik Munck, the councillor for Division 1, chosen to continue as reeve for a second consecutive year.
| Role | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Administrative Officer (outgoing) | Debbie Oyarzun | In position since 2017; previously CAO, Town of Morinville (2011–2016) |
| Interim CAO | Rodney Boyko | Extensive municipal finance and corporate services experience |
| Reeve | Erik Munck | Re-elected as reeve at 20 October organisational meeting |
The county noted the appointment of Boyko is intended to provide steady oversight while human resources and elected members undertake the recruitment process. No timetable for finding a permanent CAO was included in the county’s public statement.
For Barrhead residents, the transition is primarily an administrative change at county level; however, the role of a CAO is pivotal for delivering council decisions, managing budgets and providing strategic leadership. The council has asserted its commitment to fiscal prudence and delivery of campaign promises, while relying on experienced staff and interim management to maintain services during the changeover.
Further announcements on the CAO recruitment process, including candidate selection and any public engagement, are expected to be published by the county as they progress.
