Invermere mayor Gerry Taft will take on the position of vice chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay board.

He takes over the position from Area C director Rob Gay, who was elected board chair during the RDEK’s inaugural meeting December 9.

Taft was one of two valley board members nominated for the position, with Area F director Wendy Booth also in the running along with Area A director Mike Sosnowski.

“This is an exciting new chapter for me,” Taft said in a release. “I am grateful for this opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in local government.”