Victoria, BC– Today, on behalf of the Capital Regional District (CRD) Board of Directors and the Executive Leadership Team, CRD Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Ted Robbins announced that Luisa Jones has been appointed as the new General Manager of Parks, Recreation, and Environmental Services.
Luisa Jones brings a wealth of experience and has worked in the field of environmental management for over a decade. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing the CRD's commitment to preserving and enhancing the region's natural areas and guiding the region’s services focused on protecting human health and the environment.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and CRD Board initiated an intensive, national search to fill the role after Larisa Hutcheson, the former General Manager of Parks and Environmental Services announced her retirement in September 2023.
"We are thrilled to welcome Luisa Jones to the CRD team. Her extensive experience and innovative approach to environmental stewardship will be invaluable as we continue to work towards our strategic goals,” said Board Chair Colin Plant. “We are confident that Luisa will carry forward the work of the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Department, building on the strong foundation in place."
"We welcome Luisa into the role of General Manager of Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services” said CAO Ted Robbins. “Luisa’s unique blend of leadership experience, business acumen, and passion for the environment will be a driving force in our ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the natural beauty of our region. We are excited for the fresh perspectives Luisa will bring to our team and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will bring to the CRD."
Luisa Jones comes to the CRD from the City of Abbotsford where she led the City's solid waste, source control, biosolids and climate action initiatives as the Director of Environmental Services. Before that, Luisa served as the City of Abbotsford's Senior Manager of Energy and Climate Action, as Utility Manager for Wesgroup Properties, and in various energy and climate action manager positions with the City of Coquitlam, the City of Kamloops, the City of Port Coquitlam, and the Burnaby School District.
“I am honoured to join the CRD's Executive Leadership Team. I value the opportunity to contribute to the vibrancy and well-being of all communities across the region, working alongside the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services team, the Executive Leadership Team, and the Board,” said General Manager of Parks, Recreation, and Environmental Services Luisa Jones. “I am eager to get started and continue making a positive impact, striving for excellence in everything we do.”
As the new General Manager of Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services Luisa Jones will take on a senior leadership role that oversees key services in the region including regional parks, climate action, environmental protection and monitoring, environmental resource management including solid waste operations and biosolids management, and community recreation 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.bc.ca.
-30-
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedIn | www.crd.bc.ca
Photo Caption: Luisa Jones, new General Manager of Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services for the Capital Regional District.