The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Barry O’Riordan to the role of Manager of Economic Development Cowichan.
Barry joined Economic Development Cowichan as a Special Projects Assistant in June 2019 and demonstrated his ability to learn quickly and take initiative on a number of active projects following the departure of the former Manager, Amy Melmock.
Barry has a Master’s Degree in Economics from the National University of Ireland, Galway and broad experience working in industry, non-profit and local government settings. He brings a systems thinking approach, a natural ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and a desire to advance inclusive and sustainable economic development in the region.
Since moving to the Cowichan Valley in late 2015, Barry has established a wide network of business and community relationships which will serve him well in his new role. Until recently, Barry held dual roles as executive director of both the Duncan Farmers’ Market Society and the Cowichan Station Areas Association (which operates the HUB at Cowichan Station). This experience builds upon management roles he held in agriculture and transportation, as well as his background in economics.
“I am thrilled to get started as Manager of Economic Development Cowichan”, said O’Riordan. “I acknowledge and respect all the hard work my predecessor, Amy Melmock, brought to the CVRD. There is certainly an exciting array of regional projects in play which we are busy working to implement. I am looking forward to working with business, First Nations and community partners, to build upon this foundation, while actively supporting a transition to a healthy and sustainable regional economy.”
Economic Development Cowichan is a regional service operating under The Land Use Services Department of the CVRD. You can reach the new Manager of Economic Development Cowichan by email at barry.oriordan@cvrd.bc.ca or by phone at 250.746.7880 ext. 246.
