OMAA is pleased to partner with the #1 business school in the country, the Schulich School of Business at York University, to offer the CAO Leadership Program each spring.
This five-day program offers sought-after leadership skills in areas like political acuity, digital transformation, and data analysis to thrive in your role or move up the career ladder. The program is hosted in a convenient choice model of virtual or in-person and features top-rated Schulich instructors with guest appearances from practising CAOs.
Module 1: Transformational Leadership Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre 25 March 2026
Module 2: Solving Complex Problems Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre 26 March 2026
Module 3: Digital Futures Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre 7 April 2026
Module 4: Culture Shaping Leadership Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre 21 April 2026
Module 5: Political Acuity Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre 5 May 2026
This program is ideal for CAOs and Aspiring CAOs in municipalities of all tiers and sizes across Ontario. Professional managers and key decision makers will gain the vital leadership skills, strategies, and methods needed to better support elected officials and effectively implement Council policies, levelling up to more senior roles.
After completing the CAO Leadership Program, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize. Upon completion of additional programming through Schulich ExecEd, you will be eligible to receive a Master's Certificate in Municipal Leadership.
Classes sold-out in 2024 and 2025 so be sure to reserve your spot early.
A full day session dedicated to those Aspiring CAOs thinking about the next steps on their journey to becoming a municipal CAO / City Manager.
Join your peers for a jam-packed day filled with great advice, networking, and hands-on workshop segments. Participants should bring a laptop or tablet.
830-900 Registration
900-915 Welcome and Participant Introductions
915-1015 Pathways to Becoming a CAO: lessons learned from experienced CAOs.
1015-1045 Opportune times in the municipal sector.
1045-1100 Break
1100-1200 Things Councils look for in a new CAO and Recruiter Q&A.
1200-1300 Networking Lunch
1300-1345 Positioning to Move Forward: Contracts, Mentoring, and Building your Brand--Scott Vokey, OMAA Executive Director
1345-1430 Participant work on Elevator Pitch (Headline and About)
1430-1445 Break
1445-1515 Elevator Pitch Delivery and Feedback