AMO and OMAA are hosting a conversation on a key ingredient to a successful, effective and high-performing municipality- the relationship between a Mayor and CAO. This critical partnership sets the tone for your organization and can be a key factor in retention and attraction of employees as well as community relationships. In today’s climate, setting the tone and nature of the Mayor-CAO relationship is a win-win approach.
Join us in discussion as we explore the key elements of a productive Mayor-CAO relationship.
We have assembled an expert panel to explore:
â Defining Roles & Responsibilities – Avoiding overreach and conflict by respecting professional boundaries. How have things changed since Strong Mayor powers have been brought in?
â Building Trust Through Communication – How regular, honest, and transparent dialogue aligns priorities and strengthens collaboration.
â Maintaining Professionalism & Neutrality – Why the CAO’s non-partisan approach and the Mayor’s support of professional administration matter.
â Fostering Innovation & Proactive Governance – Encouraging creative solutions for better municipal outcomes.
Join AMO, OMAA and your municipal colleagues to gain valuable insights, hear real-world examples, and enhance the leadership dynamic in your municipality.
Panelists:
Mayor Darrin Canniff and CAO Michael Duben from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent
Mayor Lynn Dollin and CAO Oliver Jerschow from the Town of Innisfil
OMAA is pleased to partner with the #1 business school in the country, the Schulich School of Business at York University, to offer another CAO Leadership Program.
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 featuring top-rated Schulich instructors with guest appearances from experienced CAOs.
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, moving 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.
Schedule
24 March Module 1: Transformational Leadership Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre
25 March Module 2: Culture Shaping Leadership Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre
10 April Module 3: Solving Complex Problems Virtual
24 April Module 4: Digital Futures Virtual
8 May Module 5: Political Acuity Virtual or In-person at the Nadal Centre
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
1345-1430 Participant work on Elevator Pitch (Headline and About)
1430-1445 Break
1445-1515 Elevator Pitch Delivery and Feedback more info...
The 2025 Spring Workshop takes place from May 14-16 at the stunning JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Our workshops include a mix of social events, keynote speakers, educational sessions, quick hits, and sponsored sessions--all aimed at giving CAOs and Aspiring CAOs the tools they need to be more effective.
Workshop Program at a Glance
A $75 charge is applied to all refund requests. No refunds after 8 May 2025.
You may also book your hotel room (note this is seperate from event registration) via the link provided by the JW Marriott: https://book.passkey.com/go/OMAA2025