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:

✅ Defining Roles & Responsibilities – Avoiding overreach and conflict by respecting professional boundaries. How have things changed since Strong Mayor powers have been brought in?
✅ Building Trust Through Communication – How regular, honest, and transparent dialogue aligns priorities and strengthens collaboration.
✅ Maintaining Professionalism & Neutrality – Why the CAO’s non-partisan approach and the Mayor’s support of professional administration matter.
✅ 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

Moderator:

Lindsay Jones, AMO Director of Policy

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 $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

After this advanced presentation skills training, participants will be able to:

• Speak with more confidence and authority in all business and social environments

• Quickly prepare and deliver memorable, persuasive presentations and talks to small and large groups

• “Think on your feet”: respond quickly and eloquently to questions and inquiries in meetings, on the telephone, and in presentations

• Connect with the audience and establish rapport with different personality types: persuade and influence with integrity

• Develop your authentic and natural speaking style

• Manage personal stress and communicate effectively under pressure

• Reduce their fear of speaking