Town gets new CAO -- Brown Retires

Town  Council

(continued)

It was announced today, Friday June 26th, that Saugeen Shores has a new Chief Administration Officer (CAO).

Lawrence (Larry) Allison was selected from 39 applicants after a review process determined that he would be the best 'fit' to work with Council, Staff and the community. The Recruitment Committee was formed in March of this year and was made up of Mayor Mike Smith, Deputy Mayor Doug Freiburger, Vice Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock, CAO Ron Brown and Human Resources Officer, Lynn Worsley. Norm Gamble, a retired CAO, joined the interview panel to provide external input.

Interviews took place in late May using pre-determined questions and each candidate was then evaluated based on a scoring system. Based on the interviews, three candidates were short-listed and then a further meeting of the Committee on June 15th identified the candidate to be recommended to Council.

(next column)

26/06/2009 09:09 PM

Allison has been CAO for the Town of Innisfil since 2004 and, previously to that, he worked for the Town of Aurora for 22 years filling the positions of Deputy Town Clerk, Director of Building Administration, Town Clerk, Director of Corporate Services and then as CAO for five years

He will officially take over in his capacity as CAO in Saugee in Shores on August 17th but will have a three to four week transition period working with present CAO, Ron Brown.

Brown has been with Saugeen Shores since amalgamation in 1999 and, but was employed in Wiarton and Paisley since 1975 before moving to Southampton.

Brown, originally from Newfoundland, worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia before leaving the banking industry. "When you have the opportunity to work in a profession you enjoy, it's very tough to leave," said Brown remarking on his final decision to retire. "Council and staff made this job very easy and it's going to be very hard to say good-bye." Brown expects to leave at the end of August or mid-September after helping his replacement settle in.