MEDIA RELEASE
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Announces Appointment of New Chief Administrative Officer Russell Brewer
Fort Nelson, BC — June 23, 2026 The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Russell Brewer as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
Russell will join the NRRM following a planned transition period that will ensure continuity of services and knowledge transfer with outgoing Chief Administrative Officer Scott Barry. “I would like to thank the Council hiring committee and Council for the hard work and dedication in selecting the next CAO for the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. Russell will be a great addition to the team and I look forward to working closely with him, staff and Regional Council”, said Mayor Rob Fraser.
Russell brings more than three decades of experience in local government administration, natural resource management, and community leadership. He is known for a collaborative leadership style, a strong commitment to public service, and an ability to build productive partnerships with governments, Indigenous Nations, community organizations, businesses, and residents. His mandate will include strengthening operational continuity and service delivery across the region, advancing partnerships with Indigenous communities and regional stakeholders, and supporting Council priorities related to community safety, infrastructure stewardship, and cost‑effective municipal services.
Russell and his wife Lena are avid outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking with their dog Sasha, cycling, and fishing. They are also keen gardeners and beekeepers. Lena has served as a care aide with Vancouver Coastal Health for the past twenty years. Together they have four adult children: Zevier, Nikolay, Zoe, and Ekaterina. Russell and Lena are thrilled to begin working, being involved in community life, and exploring the outdoors in the Northern Rockies region.
Council arranged for a planned overlap between outgoing CAO Scott Barry and the incoming CAO to allow for comprehensive knowledge transfer and to maintain service continuity. The NRRM thanks Scott Barry for 17 years of dedicated service and leadership through emergencies and organizational change, and wishes him well in his retirement. “I am absolutely delighted to join the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality as incoming CAO. We are captivated by the beauty of the region, and sincerely inspired by the passion and commitment shared by residents, staff, Mayor Fraser and Council. I am eager to begin working on transition with CAO Barry and collaborating with everyone to help realize the immense potential of the region for economic diversification and resilience.” said Russell Brewer.
About the Northern Rockies
The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality provides local government services to residents across a vast and diverse region, supporting resilient communities, responsive governance, and sustainable regional development. Incorporated on February 6, 2009 as British Columbia’s first and only Regional Municipality, the NRRM combines the former Town of Fort Nelson and the Northern Rockies Regional District and covers approximately 85,148.87 km² (32,876.16 sq. miles).
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Media Contact:
Alycia Gregory
Communications and Administrative Coordinator
Northern Rockies Regional Muncipality
P: 250.774.2541 x2035
E: communications@northernrockies.ca
Picture: Russell Brewer, Northern Rockies Regional Municipalities' newly appointed Chief Administrative Officer