Hanover Deputy Mayor Selwyn Hicks is the new warden of Grey County.
Hicks was acclaimed to the position at Grey County Council's inaugural meeting Tuesday for the 2019 session.
Hicks is originally from Guyana and came to Canada with his family when he was nine. He moved to Hanover in 2003 and practices law. He's been deputy mayor since 2014.
One of his priorities as warden is to try to better the lives of the less fortunate.
"Many people are struggling with poverty, many people are struggling with mental health issues and we're seeing it. We have needs right here in Grey County and I hope to draw attention to those needs in my role as warden," said Hicks.
In his inaugural address, Hicks expressed optimism and hope for the future of Grey County. Hicks said a key to the county's economic future is to attract people to the area.
"It's clear that we're going to have to have immigration and I mean immigration can be from some of the neighbouring municipalities, some of the larger municipalities or maybe it will be international," he said. "I'm going to be a cheerleader to say, 'there's lots here for you in Grey.'"