- Organization: Town of Newmarket
- Posted: July 26th, 2021
The Town of Newmarket has announced the appointment of Ian McDougall to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), effective on July 19. McDougall replaces current CAO Jag Sharma, who will be leaving the position to join the Toronto Community Housing Corporation as CEO, as previously announced on June 23. McDougall has been with the town since 2003, progressing through various roles, including Director, Recreation & Culture and most recently holding the position of Commissioner, Community Services for the past nine years.
“I have worked closely with Mr. McDougall for 15 years and I have come to know him both as an exceptional leader dedicated to excellence in community building but also as a person of integrity who approaches everyone he works with from a place of respect and collaboration. Mr. McDougall’s previous experience leading our Community Services Commission, and many key corporate initiatives, combined with his passion for public service and continued commitment to our community make him a great fit to help the town plan for a future that will continue to make Newmarket even better,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Mr. McDougall’s proven track record for creative collaboration with staff, Council and municipal partners and his commitment to the leadership values that create an environment for extraordinary public service made him a natural choice to lead our organization.”
A few highlights of McDougall’s recent accomplishments while leading the Community Services Commission include:
- Collaborating with council and leading a staff team to develop council’s Strategic Priorities (2018-2022) Plan and Digital Dashboard;
- REV it Up Service Delivery Review;
- Development of the town’s Economic Development Strategy;
- The town’s first ever Cultural Master Plan; and more.
The CAO reports directly to council and leads, manages and administers all organizational and operational services for the town. The CAO is responsible for delivering on council’s and the town’s strategic plans, priorities and overall development goals while managing the effectiveness of the town’s administration to ensure innovative, efficient and cost-effective delivery of municipal services. The CAO is also responsible for implementing approved policies, budgets and appropriations and oversees intergovernmental relations, corporate strategic planning, fostering community relations and coordinating interdepartmental initiatives.
“For the past 17 years, I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with extraordinary council members, senior management and our incredible staff to bring innovative and creative strategies to life that have made Newmarket a community like no other,” McDougall said. “One of my first priorities is to support council’s goal in helping Newmarket get back to business as we work towards economic recovery, while ensuring we continue to foster an inclusive and equitable environment. I look forward to the future and I am excited and honoured to be able to continue to lead Newmarket with staff and council.”
McDougall holds a masters certificate in Municipal Management through Schulich School of Business, a diploma in Public Administration from Western University and a Bachelor of Recreation Studies from the University of Manitoba. At the town, McDougall has been the Commissioner, Community Services for the past nine years and previously held the positions of Director, Recreation & Culture, Assistant Director, Recreation & Culture and Manager of Marketing, Special Events and Culture. Prior to that, McDougall worked over 11 years in senior roles focused on community development with Special Olympics Ontario, Ontario Sport Alliance, a regional sport development association and a successful Pan American Games Bid Committee.
With McDougall taking on the role of CAO, recruitment for the Commissioner, Community Services will take place shortly.
