MacFarlane brings more than a decade of experience in business development as well as municipal planning and land-use. In his new position, MacFarlane will be responsible for administering an integrated approach for commercial investment attraction and business development on behalf of the three respective municipalities, which combined represent 75 per cent of Pictou County’s population and 82 per cent of its commercial tax assessment.
“We are pleased to welcome Frank to this key role which will enable us to move forward our regional vision for investment attraction,” says New Glasgow CAO Lisa MacDonald. “He will provide business and land development expertise and lead an integrated approach to commercial development and the role municipalities play in supporting and facilitating business growth.”
MacFarlane will administer and implement a comprehensive internal and external commercial development marketing program in these units while also providing an integrated approach to the municipal services that are required to maximize commercial development opportunities and land use planning.
“I truly believe in the potential for this region to become a preferred destination for business, industry and travellers,” says MacFarlane. “I’m really looking forward to returning to the Pictou County region and introducing my wife and three sons to many of the things I enjoyed while growing up here.”
Prior to this appointment, MacFarlane has been the Development Officer/Planner for the Town of Kentville since 2002 and has also worked in the private sector as a business sales account representative for Sauder Industries, now Metrie. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with numerous departments within all three orders of government as well as many private sector developers, real estate representatives, site selection organizations and government agencies.
MacFarlane is a graduate of Mount Allison University with a Bachelor of Arts as well as Holland College’s Urban and Rural Planning program.
Born and raised in Pictou, MacFarlane is very familiar with the Pictou County region and its corporate sector. He is a Past President of the Nova Scotia Development Officers Association having served in several executive positions, was a member of the College of Geographical Sciences (COGS) Industry Focus Group for Curriculum Design and has additional training in property law, business analysis, and mapping as well as other land planning programs. He has also been an active community volunteer, including roles such as Chair of the Kings County Family Resource Centre and a coach with the Acadia Minor Hockey Association.
