Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Henderson as the General Manager for the new Electoral Area Services (EAS) department. Stephen Henderson will begin in the role on July 7, 2025. The new Electoral Area Services department will enhance service delivery and governance across the CRD’s three distinct electoral areas: Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands.
The Chief Administrative Officer and CRD Board initiated a comprehensive search to fill the role after the CRD Board approved the recruitment process in January 2025.
"Stephen Henderson’s leadership will guide the establishment of the new EAS department, which will provide more tailored service delivery to the residents of Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands,” said Paul Brent, Chair of the CRD Electoral Areas Committee. “By delivering consistent oversight, we are ensuring that the CRD remains responsive to the needs of our communities while maintaining their local identity."
Stephen Henderson has been working with the CRD for the past 11 years, collaborating closely with elected officials, the CRD Board, various committees and commissions, and senior leadership. In his most recent role as Senior Manager of Real Estate and Southern Gulf Islands Administration, he provided strategic leadership and played a pivotal role in administering the Salt Spring Island Local Community Commission during a period of transition. This experience has allowed him to build a deep understanding of CRD operations and the Electoral Area communities served by the CRD.
“The creation of the Electoral Area Services department aims to address the current challenges of varying resource levels and inconsistent service delivery, providing a more equitable approach to meeting community needs," said Ted Robbins, Chief Administrative Officer of the CRD. “I am thrilled to add Stephen Henderson’s experience and expertise to the Executive Leadership Team to help us enhance governance and decision-making processes to better meet the unique needs of the residents in the Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands.”
The CRD provides a range of services depending on the community needs of each electoral area. The new department will streamline operations by centralizing administrative and operational functions, ensuring that resources are allocated more efficiently and effectively. The new General Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring that CRD service delivery is consistent and responsive to local requirements.
"I am honoured to lead the new Electoral Area Services department. Our goal is to provide strategic connection between the three electoral areas for coordinated and optimized service delivery,” said Stephen Henderson. “I am committed to improving teamwork, productivity, and efficiency, ensuring that the CRD delivers exceptional service to our residents.”
Stephen Henderson will be supported by a team of dedicated and experienced staff already working in each of the three electoral areas, who are deeply committed to serving their communities and delivering high-quality local services.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
