Leadership Transition Update: CAO Recruitment Process Underway
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
In May, Council began a structured leadership transition process following the announcement that Chief Administrative Officer David Duckworth will be stepping down from his role. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Recruitment and Appointment Sub-Committee was established to support Council's search for a new CAO and related onboarding.
At the July 14th Executive Committee, Councillor Yule provided the first of several regular monthly updates on the work of the CAO Recruitment and Appointment Sub-Committee is undertaking. The Sub-Committee includes Councillor Yule as chair, Councillor Wyness as vice-chair, Councillors Tyers and Chabot, and Mayor Farkas.
The update provided to Executive Committee include information on the following:
Selection of the External Executive Advisor
The Sub-Committee voted to engage George Cuff as external executive advisor to the CAO Recruitment Sub-Committee. Mr. Cuff brings extensive municipal and CAO recruitment experience and will provide independent advice on the role profile, recruitment approach, candidate assessment and onboarding.
CAO Profile and Recruitment Considerations
Members discussed key qualities for the next CAO, including strong communication, credibility with Council and Administration, respect for staff, and the ability to support a constructive Council–CAO relationship. All members of Council were offered the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Mr. Cuff to identify priorities for the next CAO.
Selection of the Executive Search Firm
The Sub-Committee reviewed the approach to selecting an executive search firm.
Discussion focused on maintaining a fair, defensible, and depoliticized process, while ensuring the selected firm aligns with Council’s expectations. The Sub-Committee voted to engage Boyden Canada, the next executive search firm in order from The City’s existing pre-qualified list. The recruitment firm has been onboarded and has commenced work with the Sub-Committee.
Search Process
Boyden Canada will be undertaking a phased search process. It begins with planning, input from interested parties and finalizing the candidate profile. From there, Boyden will move into research and recruitment, including candidate engagement and interviews. The process will include regular progress updates to the Sub-Committee, short-list interviews, reference and background checks and support through final selection, offer and onboarding.
Future Decisions
Upcoming decisions will include: Candidate assessment and selection process, initial performance expectations and evaluation approach, onboarding and orientation for the successful candidate, appointment-related process steps as required, transition support, potential selection of an interim CAO.
Upcoming Sub-Committee Dates
The next Sub-Committee meetings are scheduled:
July 24, 2026
September 4, 2026
October 2, 2026
October 22, 2026
October 23, 2026
November 12, 2026
November 13, 2026
You can learn more and watch the full Executive Committee recording HERE.
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