The Portage la Prairie School Division Board has hired a new CEO/secretary treasurer, as Hazen Barrett prepares for retirement. After a six month recruiting process, the Board approved the hiring of Todd Cuddington for the role.

Cuddington's currently living in Izmir, Turkey, where he serves as the headmaster for the American Collegiate Institute, and will be moving to Portage over the summer. Cuddington's also served as a director for Kemer Canadian High School in Istanbul, and worked in administrative roles at the American Creativity Academy in Hawally, Kuwait.

While Cuddington has no shortage of experience overseas, he started his education career in Manitoba. His first job in the sector was as a classroom teacher for the Brandon School Division. He had also served as an instructor of English for academic purposes at Brandon University.

Board Chair Murray McLenehan says his vast list of experience has the board excited about the hire, but McLenehan says it was more than his resume that made him the top candidate.

"He brings an experience that's in Manitoba and worldwide as well. It'll be interesting to see what he'll bring. He's looking forward to bringing new ideas to the team, and I think his best line was 'I think learning never ends' and that was the part personally that put me over the top."

McLenehan notes hiring for the position wasn't an easy decision, noting they had several excellent candidates which they had reviewed over the six month hiring process.

"We went through a number of candidates, screened it down to three, and it was a very difficult choice. Each one brought their own unique perspective and expertise. In the end, Mr. Cuddington's expertise and vast variety of knowledge made him the successful candidate."

Cuddington's first day with the Portage la Prairie School Division is set for October 17, and Barrett has agreed to stay on for a period of time, to allow for a smooth transition.