''My background is in financial services and business management, so that's the sort of thing that interests me'' he said.
Voting in the by-election for the board's Alexandra ward vacancy closed at noon yesterday.
Mr Fitzgerald received 1000 votes while his only rival, Sheree Williams, of Clyde, received 891.
The by-election was needed after Melanie Bell, of Alexandra, resigned.
Mr Fitzgerald (66), who will be sworn in at the next Vincent meeting on September 15, said yesterday he was ''very pleased'' to be elected.
''I think I've got something to contribute.''
It was his first foray into local body politics.
He is semi-retired and has been involved in business management and investment all his working life, with his most recent role being three years as manager of Central Otago WasteBusters.
Mrs Williams said the election result was ''bittersweet''.
The 23-year-old was the youngest candidate in the Central Otago local body elections last year and the highest-polling unsuccessful candidate for the Vincent board.
Central Otago electoral officer Kara Leckie said the voter turnout was 43%.
