CHARTING YOUR COURSE: A FIRST-TIME MUNICIPAL CAO TOOLKIT
COMING JUNE 2025
The "Charting Your Course: CAMA First-Time CAO Toolkit" is a practical and comprehensive resource for anyone currently serving as a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), newly appointed to the role, or aspiring to take it on. This guide offers support at every stage of your CAO journey—whether you're preparing for your first role or seeking fresh insights to navigate current challenges.
Recognizing that no two municipalities—or CAO experiences—are alike, this Toolkit provides adaptable strategies and tools to strengthen your leadership, deepen your political acumen, and enhance your impact. You’ll find guidance on managing Council relationships, building high-performing teams, leading with integrity, and aligning operations with strategic goals.
Inside, you'll discover:
- Role clarity, governance essentials, and local government dynamics
- Practical tools for onboarding, strategic planning, and crisis leadership
- Guidance on professional boundaries, resilience, and political navigation
- Tips for interviewing, employment contracts, and career sustainability
- Inclusive leadership approaches that support reconciliation and equity
Whether you’re stepping into the CAO role for the first time or looking to sharpen your leadership in a seasoned position, this Toolkit helps you lead with confidence, purpose, and professionalism.
