County of Grande Prairie Welcomes New Director of Community Services

The County of Grande Prairie has selected Darryl Martin as the new Director of Community Services.

“We had a lot of great applicants for this position and after an extensive recruitment process, we are pleased to welcome Darryl to our team,” said Joulia Whittleton, Chief Administration Officer for the County. “Darryl has tremendous experience working with various stakeholders, all levels of government, and leading emergency response initiatives. We look forward to the expertise that Darryl brings to the County.”

Martin comes to the County from Alberta Health Services (AHS), where he has spent 15 years working in emergency response management. Martin has extensive experience, having led AHS emergency response teams for the Slave Lake, Fort McMurray and High Level fires, as well as numerous other emergency events, including flooding, widespread utility disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also served 19 years as both a ground and air ambulance paramedic with Alberta Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

"I am looking forward to beginning this new role and getting to know the teams and people that I will be supporting,” said Martin. “The County is a busy and dynamic organization, but I believe that my experience will be an asset in supporting the initiatives that are underway in the Community Services department and the organization as a whole.”

Martin is no stranger to the area and all the County has to offer, having raised his family in Beaverlodge.

As Director of Community Services, Martin will provide leadership for the Agriculture, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), Parks and Recreation, Regional Enforcement Services, and Regional Fire Service departments. Martin will also oversee the County’s emergency and disaster services portfolio including its role in the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP).

Martin officially starts January 3, 2023.

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