RANKIN INLET - After months and months of looking, the community of Rankin Inlet finally said hello to its new senior administrative officer (SAO) this past week.

Hilda Price arrived in Rankin Inlet to take over the senior administrative officer's (SAO) position from interim SAO Clayton Croucher this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Hilda Price arrived in Rankin on Oct. 4.

Originally from the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland, Price brings 35 years worth of experience to the SAO's position in Rankin.

She spent a number of years in northern Manitoba, worked in the Yukon for seven years and spent another five years in northwest Alberta.

Price said she's always been attracted to the North and was immediately interested when she saw the Rankin posting.

She said even though she's lived in other areas of northern Canada, she's excited about getting to live in the Kivalliq.

"As a young SAO, I always wanted the chance to work in every province and territory in Canada," said Price.

"But I stayed a little too long in some places, so I'll never get to work in them all.

"I was also very interested to see how things run in Nunavut.

"I'd met people from the territory and I was always impressed with them."

Interim SAO Clayton Croucher agreed to stay on long enough to show Price the ropes before he and his wife return home to Newfoundland.

Price said it's been extremely beneficial to have him work with her during her first few weeks in Rankin.

"Having someone introduce you to the community is very important, especially for continuity.

"You need to know what things are on the table, and what's gone on in the recent past, as far as the hamlet's concerned.

"It was also nice to have him take me around and show me all the points, as well as introduce me to all the staff.

"That's a lot better approach than getting off a plane and walking in to take over an office."

Price said she's impressed with what she's seen so far.

She said she didn't realize Rankin was such an active community.

"I'm no rookie when it comes to experience.

"I've run into just about anything you can think of during 35 years as an SAO.

"I'm really looking forward to my time in this community and I already sense it will be rewarding."

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