Learn about CAO, to start Dec. 9

The Town has a new CAO.

Last Wednesday, following a closed session of council Monday night, the Town announced Marnie Cluckie has been appointed to the job, effective Dec. 9.

She brings years of experience working in a variety of senior-level roles, at municipalities much larger than Niagara-on-the Lake, says Lord Mayor Betty Disero, as well as having extensive education that will serve her well in the job of leading the municipality.

A glance at her resume, as detailed in the announcement, shows this will be her first job as CAO, but as Disero points out, her wide-ranging experience in many leadership roles, and her work with municipalities “far larger than NOTL,” such as Halton and the Niagara Region, make her well-qualified for leading a town this size.

She will be leading “very competent staff. They’ll make a great team,” says Disero, referencing interim CAO Sheldon Randall, planning director Craig Larmour, Fire Chief Nick Ruller and Kyle Freeborn, director of corporate services.

“I’m thrilled she’s going to be joining us, and thankful we’ve had Sheldon leading the town until we were able to hire her. I’m confident we have a good team at the helm now.”

A news release from the Town says “with her education and training in business administration, leadership and organizational development, architecture and environmental science, and her skills in financial management, operational planning and community relations, Marnie brings extensive knowledge and experience to the role.”

Cluckie brings more than 10 years’ experience working in a variety of senior-level roles in workplaces such as the Halton Region and Halton Community Housing Corporation, Niagara Region, and City of Hamilton. 

She is leaving Halton Region as director of the strategic transformation group. While at the Niagara Region, her title was director of construction, energy and facilities management, says Disero.

“The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is of interest to me because it is a town that is committed to a high quality of community life,” says Cluckie. “I’ve seen Niagara-on-the-Lake strive to preserve its heritage, agriculture and distinct beauty while creating vibrant sustainable communities for all. It is progressive, creative and forward-thinking but also grounded in its strong history. It continues to build on the solid foundation from which it was built, maintaining its unique local flavour. Yet, it also leverages future opportunities and remains dedicated to continuous improvement and a culture of excellence. The balance between protecting community elements, delivering balanced growth and providing customer service excellence is inspiring.”