Rocky View County councillor Kevin Hanson has been elected vice-chair of the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board, replacing Cochrane mayor Jeff Genung, who has served in the position since March 2019.

Mayor Genung stepped aside, believing it was time for a change, and nominated Hanson for the position.

"I was happy to accept the nomination for this, but when Kevin indicated that he was interested, I think it only makes sense that we move this position around a little bit and have everybody experience the staff at the same level as I have for the last couple of years," said Genung in nominating Hanson. "I welcome Councillor Hanson to take over the duties."

In accepting the nomination, Hanson commended Genung's work as vice-chair.

"The biggest challenge for me will be the yearly duty of performance reviews, etc.," said Hanson, "and hopefully, I'll do as good of a job of that as Jeff did."

Hanson currently serves as the vice-chair of CMRB's land-use and servicing committee but will not be continuing in the role. A new vice-chair is expected to be elected at that committee's Mar. 9 meeting.

Hanson represents RVC Division One, which is south of Hwy. 1 and includes Bragg Creek.

Besides Cochrane, the CMRB board is made up of representatives of Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, High River, Chestermere, and Rocky View and Foothills counties.