Fall Workshop Keynote Confirmed | |
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Globally recognized authority on leadership skill development and purpose-driven growth Zahra Al-Harazi has been confirmed as the keynote for the 2025 Fall Workshop. With a career forged through resilience, innovation, and a deep understanding of human potential, Al-Harazi dives into the core pillars of modern leadership — self-mastery, cognitive clarity, relational intelligence, and cultural agility — helping audiences build those skills with intention and turn them into their signature leadership presence.
A survivor of two civil wars, Al-Harazi immigrated to Canada in 1996 with no higher education, no network, and three children to raise. Within a few years, she founded Foundry Communications, building it into one of Canada’s top creative firms. Today, Al-Harazi is the co-founder of Skillit — a next-generation learning platform designed to bridge the global skills gap through peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
A dynamic speaker and facilitator, Al-Harazi has inspired audiences in over 20 countries with her no-nonsense approach to unlocking human potential. Her sessions blend strategic insight with real-world experience — equipping leaders at every level with the skills, mindset, and motivation to lead with intention, clarity, and courage in uncertain times. Her clients include Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, scaling startups, and professional associations. Al-Harazi has been recognized as one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women (WXN), one of Chatelaine’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, and one of RBC’s Top 25 Immigrants to Canada. |
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Delegation Best Practises | |
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The AMO Annual Conference offers an excellent opportunity for municipal leaders to meet face-to-face with provincial ministers and advocate for issues critical to their local communities. Check out ADM Sean Fraser's incredibly instructive presentation from the Spring Workshop in the Member Library. AMO's Guide to Delegation Meetings can also help you get the most out of your delegation meetings |
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Supporting Colleagues in Transition |
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| When a colleague faces job stress, termination, or
personal difficulties, we may hesitate to reach out,
especially if we do not know them well. Colleagues
in transition can feel very isolated and may be
wary about reaching out to former contacts and
colleagues, particularly if the circumstances around
their transition have been difficult or controversial.
Proactively reaching out, even in a simple way, can
provide meaningful support and convey four key
messages:
- “I care enough to reach out with a call or note.”
- “I’m here to listen if you’d like to talk.
- “This too shall pass.”
- “I’m available to network and assist, if needed.
Check out the Bridge the Gap Guidebook in the Members in Transition section of the Member Library for more info. Non-members can order a hard copy in our online store. |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
West Nipissing is a vibrant single-tier community of 14,364 people. The Municipality spans an impressive 1,989.57 square kilometers and has many lakes, waterways, trails, forests and farmland. West Nipissing is an amalgamated community that has a range of urban communities including Sturgeon Falls, Cache Bay and Verner. Our rural communities include Crystal Falls, Desaulniers, Field, Kipling, Lavigne, North Monetville, River Valley, and multiple other townships. West Nipissing is served by the Trans-Canada Highway 17 as well as Highway 64, and is within one hour drive to the large northern communities of North Bay and Sudbury.
Industrial strengths include forestry, agriculture, education, retail services, government services and tourism. Our community is a desirable place to live and visit. Families are attracted to the area by our unique community characteristics including access to education, healthcare, proximity to large cities and affordability in a beautiful northern setting.
With a combined operating and capital budget of approximately $50M and over 200 permanent and part-time staff, the Municipality of West Nipissing is committed to meeting the needs of our residents and business community by delivering efficient and effective services.
As the ideal candidate you are an inspiring, principled, and collaborative leader with a proven track record of results and accomplishments in an efficient and fiscally accountable fashion with related experience from either a public sector or private sector organization. You have exceptional communication skills and the political acumen to interact with an engaged council, diverse stakeholders, foster the development of partnerships, develop our workforce and inspire our employees, while ensuring customer service excellence. Lastly, you will have an exceptional understanding of forward-thinking strategies as it relates managing responsible growth, ensuring effective municipal operations in a fiscally accountable fashion and guiding our organization into the future, while retaining our northern community charm.
Leading a talented team, you will inspire a dedicated workforce and help foster a workplace culture focused on service excellence, innovation and teamwork while positioning the Municipality of West Nipissing as an employer of choice. West Nipissing offers a competitive compensation package including benefits, vacation, training and development, not to mention an opportunity to work with an engaged Council in a beautiful community. An appreciation of the Franco-Ontarian culture is essential for success in this role.
Closes: 14 August or sooner |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
Located in the heart of Ontario’s most populous region, the Golden Horseshoe, Haldimand County is a picturesque and growing municipality spanning 1,251 square kilometres of rural landscape, including 83 kilometres of Lake Erie shoreline, scenic riverfronts, and expansive trails. Its strategic location just south of the GTA offers the best of both worlds — a welcoming small-town atmosphere with easy access to major urban centres.
The County is home to vibrant communities like Caledonia, Dunnville, Hagersville, and Jarvis, each offering unique character and a welcoming spirit. Residents enjoy the calm of countryside commutes, recreation opportunities for all ages, a diversified economy, and a lifestyle grounded in connection and simplicity. With year-round events, access to nature, and a thriving local economy, Haldimand is not only a great place to live, it’s a place to truly belong.
As a single-tier municipality, Haldimand County delivers a broad range of services that support residents, businesses, and visitors. From maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water systems, and recreational facilities to providing land use planning, emergency services, libraries, museums, and a municipally operated long-term care home, the County plays a vital role in the daily lives of its citizens. With over 600 dedicated employees and a combined 2025 operating and capital budget exceeding $170 million, the organization is focused on service excellence, continuous improvement, and fiscal responsibility. While health and social services are delivered regionally through Grand Erie Public Health and other partners, Haldimand County remains committed to collaborative, community-oriented governance, making it an exciting and rewarding environment for municipal professionals ready to make a lasting impact in a close-knit, forward-looking community.
The ideal candidate is an inspiring, collaborative, and principled leader with a proven track record in municipal government or a comparable complex organization. With strong political acumen, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to service excellence, you excel at building partnerships, engaging employees, and driving strategic results.
Reporting to the Mayor and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provides visionary leadership and oversees the efficient delivery of all County services. As Council’s key advisor, you will lead the development and implementation of operational plans and ensure alignment with Council’s strategic priorities. You are a forward-thinking leader who brings sound judgment, innovation, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility to every recommendation and initiative.
Closes: 11 August 2025 or sooner |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
Township of South Stormont |
Nestled along the picturesque shores of the St. Lawrence River between the major metropolitan centres of Ottawa and Montreal, South Stormont is a thriving and forward-looking community that is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after regions in Eastern Ontario. With a strong balance of rural charm and small urban convenience, South Stormont offers modern services, expanding infrastructure and a high quality of life. The area boasts a rich history, from the earliest Loyalist settlers to the enduring legacy of the Lost Villages of the St. Lawrence Seaway, all while embracing growth, innovation and new opportunities. As one of the fastest growing municipalities in the region, South Stormont is attracting new residents, businesses and leaders who are helping to shape its exciting future.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) serves as the strategic leader of the Township, guiding the implementation of Council’s direction and priorities. As Council’s sole employee and senior advisor, the CAO leads the senior management team to ensure the effective delivery of municipal services and fosters a collaborative organizational culture grounded in public service values, fiscal responsibility, innovation, and continuous improvement.
The CAO represents the Township externally with government agencies, neighbouring municipalities, businesses, developers, community groups, and the media, promoting South Stormont’s interests at the local, regional, provincial, and federal levels. This role is responsible for cultivating intergovernmental relationships, advancing economic development initiatives, and ensuring the Township remains responsive and adaptable to emerging opportunities and challenges. The CAO also plays a key role in promoting South Stormont’s image, marketing the community, and building strong networks that support long-term growth and prosperity.
Closes: 25 August 2025 |
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General Manager of Corporate Services / Legal |
The General Manager of Corporate Services / Legal is a key senior leadership role within the Township of Ramara, reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This position provides strategic oversight and expert direction for four critical municipal functions: Legal Services, Clerk’s Services, Financial Services, and Human Resources. As the Township’s primary legal advisor, the General Manager ensures compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, municipal by-laws, and corporate policies. The role involves attending Council and Committee meetings, offering legal counsel on corporate matters, and supporting the development and implementation of effective corporate-wide policies.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the General Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the Township’s long-term vision, championing the corporate mission and values, and advancing strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and public service delivery. The position promotes an organizational culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement by mentoring and empowering staff, supporting succession planning, and fostering professional development across departments. With direct responsibility for the Directors of Finance, Human Resources, and Legislative Services, the General Manager leads corporate planning efforts, manages risk, guides collective bargaining and labour relations strategies, and ensures transparent, fiscally responsible budgeting and reporting processes. This multifaceted leadership role is critical in ensuring that the Township of Ramara operates in a forward-thinking, compliant, and service-oriented manner.
The ideal candidate will hold a university degree in Law (LL.B) and be licensed to practice as a lawyer by the Law Society of Upper Canada (now the Law Society of Ontario). They will bring 3–5 years of senior leadership experience, along with 3–5 years of legal practice with demonstrated expertise in municipal law. The Township offers a comprehensive benefits package, enrollment in the OMERS pension plan, flexible work arrangements as appropriate and a salary ranging from $145,254 -
$169,927. Closes: 7 August 2025 |
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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) |
The Township of Springwater is a progressive, mixed urban-rural municipality located in the heart of Simcoe County, approximately 100 kilometres north of Toronto and neighbouring the City of Barrie. Home to a population of 22,700 and growing. Springwater features a blend of thriving urban settlements and a prosperous agricultural sector. The Township includes eight settlement areas: Midhurst, Elmvale, Snow Valley, Centre Vespra, Minesing, Anten Mills, Phelpston, and Hillsdale. Amalgamated in 1994, it is one of sixteen lower-tier municipalities within the greater County of Simcoe. Known for its scenic hiking trails, rich agricultural amenities, vibrant urban centres and the purest groundwater in Canada, Springwater offers residents a healthy lifestyle, a strong sense of community and one of Ontario's largest municipally owned forest networks, with a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. The Township is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, authentic workplace where employee wellness, learning, and collaboration are prioritized. With flexible work options and a supportive environment, Springwater is a place where you can find balance and grow your career.
Reporting to the Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for the strategic leadership and administration of the affairs of the Township in accordance with the objectives approved by the Mayor. Acts as the key advisor and liaison to the Mayor and Council. As the most senior appointed official, the CAO delivers on the Strategic Plan and is responsible for all human, physical and financial resources of the Township, attending Council/Committee meetings, and formulating and implementing policy, service level. The CAO leads and directs the Township’s Executive Team, to ensure effective and efficient service delivery that is aligned with Springwater Council’s strategic priorities and assumes full responsibility for implementing Township policies, decisions, and programs.
The ideal candidate is a motivational, values-driven, and team-oriented leader with a strong history of success in municipal government or a comparable business setting. Bringing outstanding communication skills, political insight, and a talent for building partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders – all while motivating staff and upholding the highest standards of customer service. The ideal candidate will lead a skilled team, within a unionized and non-unionized environment, inspiring a committed workforce and cultivating a workplace culture centered on service excellence, innovation, collaboration, inclusion and diversity.
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To many people it seems a town run on roads, pipes, and policies. But it’s really held together by a quieter, invisible force that is social cohesion. Social cohesion begins in how we govern. The consequences of neglecting it are slow, then sudden and awful.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote, “The social contract is not a mere convention, but a bond of mutual commitment.” The modern municipality, for all its complexity, is still fundamentally a shared agreement. It’s a compact between strangers to act like neighbours. And it falls to local leaders to renew that compact every single day.
We’re living in an era of increasing fragmentation. Not just across social lines, but across information, values, and even reality itself. Neighbourhoods with beautiful streets but no shared story. Council meetings where disagreement calcifies into distrust. This erosion isn’t always dramatic—but it is cumulative.
It seems to me that you people are wired to find meaning in belonging. It’s why you form attachment to groups—whether a sports team, a school, or a city ward. When those attachments weaken, anxiety seeps in. When they strengthen, a kind of moral glue forms. “Man is by nature a social animal,” said Aristotle.
But let’s not mistake sameness for unity. Cohesion is not everyone chasing the same tail. It’s finding purpose, together, among difference—and that depends on the choices leaders make. You cannot decree togetherness but you can engage residents early, bridge departments that don’t typically talk, model grace under fire at the council table, and make room for complexity rather than demanding consensus. Too often, we treat hard infrastructure as "real" governance and social capital as soft or secondary. But without trust, no infrastructure works for long. Without relationships, no policy takes root. Towns are not made of concrete; they’re made of us. |
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The 80th Annual Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games is a three-day event (August 8 -10) that celebrates local Scottish heritage and features world-renowned talent and entertainment in the beautiful town of Fergus, Ontario. This year’s Festival features Heavy Events Competitions, Pipe Band Competitions, Highland Dancers, over 50 Clans & Heritage Village, Whisky Tasting, McKiddie’s Centre, Celtic musicians and international vendors featuring Scottish wares and fares.
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Scattered across Great Lakes shores, Great Lakes piping plovers are having a record year. Since being put on the U.S. Endangered Species Act list in 1984, the plovers are recovering, but only with the protection and assistance of a significant coalition of people and organizations, ranging from universities, volunteer groups, Audubon Great Lakes, zoos and state, federal and provincial governmental agencies.
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OMAA: Connecting CAOs, Strengthening Municipalities
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