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Gov Business Review: Awards Ranking
Gov Business Review Canada proudly presents the Top 10 Chief Administrative Officers in Canada 2026, recognizing public-sector leaders who drive effective governance through strategic administration and operational leadership. These executives oversee critical functions that support municipal priorities while ensuring resources are aligned with community needs and organizational objectives. Their leadership helps strengthen institutional effectiveness and improve service delivery, enabling local governments across Canada to operate efficiently while supporting long-term public value.
Top 10 Chief Administrative Officers in Canada - 2026
Chief Administrative Officer, The Municipality of the District of Argyle
Alain Muise is a municipal leader who oversees operations with a focus on fiscal planning, service delivery and long-term community development. At the Municipality of the District of Argyle, he combines strategic planning and resource management to support informed service choices.
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Kelowna
Doug Gilchrist leads the City of Kelowna at a time when municipal governments are being asked to manage growth, maintain services and respond to pressures extending well beyond traditional city responsibilities. For Gilchrist, effective growth management begins with transparency. Explaining why land-use decisions, infrastructure investments and policy changes are necessary helps build the trust and community support required to move them forward. He also sees creativity as increasingly impor
Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Tofield
Jeff Edwards is a local government administrator with over two decades of experience across administration, recreation and tourism. At the Town of Tofield, he brings this broad experience to advancing community growth, organizational development and responsive municipal leadership.
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Cornwall
Tim Mills is Chief Administrative Officer at the City of Cornwall, overseeing the municipality's administrative functions and supporting the Council in delivering public services. He has more than 30 years of experience in education and municipal government, including a previous CAO role with the Municipality of South Dundas.His work reflects a leadership style grounded in community familiarity and steady organizational management.
Chief Administrative Officer, Bonnechere Valley Township
Annette Gilchrist serves as Chief Administrative Officer at Bonnechere Valley Township, where she oversees municipal administration, governance and strategic operations. Drawing on extensive experience in local government, she supports council decision-making, policy implementation and organizational leadership while promoting accountable, community-focused municipal management.
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Kitchener
Dan Chapman is the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Kitchener, driving strategic municipal operations, fiscal management and efficient local government service delivery.
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Greater Sudbury
An experienced public and private sector executive, Shari Lichterman brings financial expertise, municipal leadership and corporate governance experience to Greater Sudbury, supported by CPA, CMA and ICD.D credentials
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Richmond
Serena Lusk brings more than two decades of local government and nonprofit experience to Richmond, having progressed through community services leadership, senior management and deputy chief administrative officer responsibilities.
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Niagara Falls
Jason Burgess combines municipal leadership with extensive financial advisory experience, having served as a chief administrative officer, regional finance executive and consulting partner, supported by his Chartered Professional Accountant designation.
Chief Administrative Officer, City of St. Albert
William Fletcher brings decades of Canadian Armed Forces leadership to municipal administration, combining operational planning, team development and public service experience with a civil engineering degree and distinguished military career.
