Bruce McLennan, a former deputy minister of Finance, was named chair of the Yukon Utilities Board last week.

The appointment was made after it was vetted by the Standing Committee on Major Appointments to Boards and Committees and received approval from the Executive Council (cabinet).

McLennan, now a resident of British Columbia, was a long-time bureacrat with the Yukon government who retired from public service in 2007. During his career, McLennan also served as deputy minister of Education and Health and Social Services.

"I was asked if I was interested ... (and) I think I can bring some skills to this position,” McLennan told the Star this morning.

McLennan said upcoming hearings for the Mayo B hydro expansion are what he is focusing on at the moment.

While he was in Whitehorse last Thursday to accept his appointment, McLennan said he intends to do as much work as possible via conference calls to reduce travel costs.

McLennan takes over from Wendy Shanks, who stepped down as chairwoman more than a year before her three-year term with the YUB was set to expire in June 2011.

Bob Laking, Judy Woodland, Kathleen Avery and Richard Hancock remain as directors on the board.