Cochrane's longtime Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Juilan deCocq, will be off to start a new chapter in his life as of June 30.

After serving the Cochrane community for roughly 22 years deCocq will officially retire from his position as CAO.

Over the 22 year time period, deCocq has watched Cochrane grow from roughly 6200 people to well over 26,000+ and been a staple in many changes seen throughout the community.

The role of the CAO is complex and can change depending on what direction or issues are facing the municipality. deCocq has a tough job of building a relationship between senior administrative staff and the direction mayor/council wish to take. deCocq is much like the captain of the ship watching out for icebergs and making sure we we have a smooth sailing journey. A job that requires strategic thinking, forward planning, and committed relationship building.

deCocq has watched 7 councils be inaugurated over his time and while he won't take part in the 8th, he feels pretty blessed.

"I have been very fortunate to work over the years with some very strong community builders and passionate folks who have served the community well. Being a politician is not an easy job and one that doesn't have a lot of rewards other than knowing you are doing the best thing you can for your community. Cochrane's very lucky to have the passion it does."

As to who will take on deCocq's position remains unknown at this time, but there is sure to be lots of interest.

"I think the organization is going to be looking for someone who has that same empathy, same capacity to create and build good relationships, and I think there is going to be a lot of interest in Cochrane as a community to come to; whether that is someone immediately available in the local vicinity or someone coming in from outside the province. Why?! Because Cochrane is a desirable community."

Managing growth and long term sustainability will all be challenges facing the new CAO, but the upside is Cochrane has some nice offerings as a community. 

When asked what stands out in his 22 year career, it was tough for deCocq to answer.

"There is so many things, probably innocuous in the eyes of others but from the development of an organization to what it is now is huge satisfaction to me. When I walk down the hall and I look at the number of people who provide professional services to Cochrane, I think wow we've got a pretty good group here. As a personal sense of accomplishment I like where we have arrived at with the Quarry development, and I like some of the visions we are working on right now with the connectivity, I think we have done some things that give Cochrane a name and that is why people have come to stay."

Being a part of Cochrane's evolution, deCocq will still be found around town. With family and eight grandkids close by, Cochrane is home and deCocq plans to stay,