The Director of Legal Services for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has been promoted as the municipality's first ever Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO).
The municipality announced on Tuesday afternoon that Dave Taylor has been appointed to the role and will assume his new duties in the coming months to facilitate a smooth transition of his current legal responsibilities.
The municipality said the decision was made following a "rigorous recruitment process," including a "thorough pre-screening process and interviews" with a panel that included Mayor Darrin Canniff, Chief Administrative Officer Michael Duben, and General Manager of Corporate Services and Chief Human Resources Officer Cathy Hoffman, among others.
"Dave brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. He has worked in the municipal field for 15 years and has worked for Chatham-Kent since 2012," said the municipality. "Dave's educational background positions him well for the Deputy CAO role, as he holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree from the University of Ottawa, a Law degree and Master's degree in Public Administration from Western University, as well as a certificate in Long Term Care Leadership. Dave is also an Instructor of Municipal Law in the Local Government Program at Western University."
According to the municipality, the Deputy CAO will focus on a portfolio overseeing several divisions of the municipality but is also tasked with advancing municipal advocacy efforts with senior levels of government.
"This advocacy work is vital to ensuring that the unique challenges and opportunities faced in Chatham-Kent are fully communicated to the provincial and federal government, particularly in areas that focus on ensuring ongoing financial sustainability of the Municipality," municipal officials noted. "Advocacy on behalf of the municipality is already something Dave is experienced in, having led parts of the efforts to advocate with the province for the community of Wheatley following the 2021 explosion, as well as leading advocacy efforts on behalf of the agricultural community in relation to railway drainage issues throughout Chatham-Kent."
The new DCAO position follows the retirement of Hoffman, whose responsibilities will now be redistributed throughout the portfolios of the Deputy CAO and other members of the executive management team.
According to the municipality, Taylor is also very involved in the community, having volunteered over the last 13 years. This includes his current seat on the Board for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, as well as previous seats on the Boards for the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation, Restorative Justice Chatham-Kent, and the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre.
"I am thrilled to continue my journey serving our amazing community in this new capacity," said Taylor. "Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the passion and commitment of our Mayor, Council, and community groups to make Chatham-Kent a great place to live, work, and visit. I am committed to using my new role to continue the Municipality’s goal of delivering quality services and improving Chatham-Kent for all of our citizens."
Taylor will report to Duben while in the role.
The municipality posted the job in early January 2025, and the closing date for applications was January 31, 2025.
The job comes with an annual salary ranging between $196,476 and $240,957.
Duben previously told CK News Today it's part of a succession plan for when he retires in about four years.