Rice is the new chief administrative officer for the Town of Westville, replacing Scott Fraser who took a job in Colchester County.
“Everyone has been extremely welcoming and kind. It’s a little daunting, but I feel very welcome.”
Rice comes from a long background of administrative work, with her most recent job as clerk for Lawrencetown.
She had been there for six years. Before that, she was involved in municipal administration in Kingston.
Rice and her husband of 27 years lived in Truro in the early 1990s, and they’ve always wanted to come back.
He was stationed with the military in Debert.
When she saw the job advertisement for the position in Westville, she jumped on it.
“I was looking for a new challenge.”
It’s been a whirlwind so far, she says, but it’s not all new.
“Municipal government, no matter where you are, there’s common things you face.”
The sense of community is what Rice loves about working with towns.
She has worked in both private and health care administration, and chose to take the leap into the governmental sector when the opportunity presented itself.
“It was my niche. It was my place because of the community.”
She took courses in municipal government administration and found she really enjoyed it.
Since arriving on the weekend, she has noticed a strong sense of civic pride and hopes to become part of that and add to it where she can.
“I want to see Westville thrive and prosper.”
Her husband is still in the Annapolis Valley under a contract, but she’s looking forward to making the full move.
For now, she’s renting and still exploring the area.
The mild weather Pictou County has been experiencing has allowed her to check out Victoria Park and do a bit of walking, one of her favourite hobbies.
She’s hoping to check out some of the other recreational activities in the area as well.
“I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the lap pool at the Wellness Centre.”
She met council on Monday evening.
“I want to thank council for putting faith in me and hopefully we’ll have a long future together.”
On Twitter: @NGNewsAmanda
FACTBOX
Bio
Name: Kelly Rice
Age: In her 50’s
Family: Husband of 27 years, 1 son
Last worked: Clerk at Lawrencetown
Hobbies: Walking, swimming, travelling
