MINTO – A former Guelph CAO has been appointed to the top administrative post for this municipality.
The hiring of new CAO Derrick Thomson was announced at the Jan. 21 Minto council meeting.
A press release issued by the town states Thompson comes to Minto “with a wealth of experience and knowledge from his previous positions as the CAO in the City of Guelph and the Township of West Lincoln.”
Thomson joined Guelph’s executive team in 2013, was named a deputy CAO in 2014 and appointed CAO in June of 2016, a position he held until February 2019. Thomson previously spent six years as CAO in West Lincoln.
“He is an experienced and innovative municipal leader with more than 30 years’ progressive experience in the municipal field which will be a great addition to Minto’s management team,” the release states.
“Derrick possesses a Masters Certificate in municipal administration and education from Queen’s School of Business.”
Mayor George Bridge stated, “After a very thorough hiring process involving a combination of council and staff, we are thrilled with this announcement. Derrick’s experience in the municipal field and his leadership abilities will fit in perfectly with staff.”
Thompson fills a vacancy created by the retirement of former CAO/clerk Bill White in December of 2018.
Applications for the CAO position, accepted through consulting firm Ward and Uptigrove, closed on Dec. 6.
Minto Fire Chief Chris Harrow has been acting CAO since White’s retirement. Deputy Clerk Annilene McRobb is currently the town’s acting clerk.
“I’m so honoured to be … your new CAO,” Thompson stated after the appointment was announced.
“I’m so excited to work with a great council and also great staff. I’d also like to thank Chris for all his hard work over the past year.”
Thompson was to start his new position on Jan. 22.
